Following the news from India that bail has now been formally approved for 33 of the 35 multi-national crew of the MV Seaman Guard Ohio, The Mission to Seafarers is planning to meet with the men on their release and to support families of the British crew preparing to fly out to visit them. Two of the 35 men however will remain in custody, until a court hearing is convened. There is still no confirmation of a date for a full trial.

The Revd Canon Ken Peters, Director of Justice and Public Affairs, The Mission to Seafarers said: “We are very pleased that after nearly six months most of the men have been released on bail. We understand that the crew will be required to report to the local police in Chennai twice a day, but will be at liberty, as long as they stay in the local area. I have instructed our Mission port chaplain in Tuticorin, The Revd Johnson Daniel to go to Chennai and meet with three of the British families who are flying out, to offer them support while they are there. Revd Daniel will make sure that the crew in and out of jail, are safe, well, receive further counselling support - and for those we expect to be freed – he will endeavour to point them to appropriate medical care if required.

Of greatest concern for the Mission at the moment remains the two men left behind in jail and the effect this is having on those families. This is a terrible blow. We will not allow them to be forgotten and we intend to continue to raise their urgent plight with the local authorities. This ordeal is not over until the court re-examines all the facts and the lawyers succeed in having the charges dropped completely for all the crewmen. We appeal again to the British and Indian governments to support the seafarers, who at the time of their arrest, were sailing back from protecting merchant shipping vessels as a legitimate anti-piracy patrol. We ask the authorities to actively assist with the resolution of this matter as swiftly as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all concerned at this time.”

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Notes to Editors

The Mission to Seafarers

Founded in 1856, and entirely funded by voluntary donations, today’s Mission to Seafarers is a registered charity that offers emergency assistance, practical support, and a friendly welcome to crews visiting over 260 ports around the world in 71 countries.

Whether caring for victims of piracy or providing a lifeline to those stranded in foreign ports, we are there for the globe’s 1.3 million merchant seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs.

The Mission to Seafarers’ Patron is Her Majesty The Queen and our President is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

To find out how we help those facing shipwreck, abandonment, loneliness and danger, visit our website: www.missiontoseafarers.org