Crew held in India may soon be released

China's consulate general in Kolkata announced on Monday that the 23 Chinese crew members on a cargo ship detained more than a month ago at India's Haldia port could probably go home soon.

The freighter Union Demeter, owned by Nanjing Tranvast Holdings, was detained by order of a court in Mumbai in December after the company failed to pay refueling expenses. Soon after the detention, the shipowner declared bankruptcy, leaving the crew members helpless on the ship.

"With the joint efforts of all sides, progress has been made for resolving relevant problems. We believe that the crew members can go back home soon," the consulate general said on its website.