Seaman Guard Ohio – @TheChennai6. Was Sri Lanka’s own floating armoury scandal to blame?
On November 28th 2017, over four years after their original arrest, the crew and men from the Seaman Guard Ohio were released having been acquitted of all charges by the Indian High Court in Medurai. They were driven from Chennai Central prison having won, not only what one of the men’s sisters described as their “battle for freedom,” but also the battle for justice. It had been a long time coming and a lot of people had made a significant emotional investment in their plight. Many had given time and money in support of the men and their families, some of whom paid a hefty personal price as a result of the lengthy separation. But there is still a suspicion harboured by a few, that men accused of “smuggling” arms cannot really be as innocent as they claimed and if they were, why did the Indians react as they did? Now the men are home and the appeal judgement issued, the men and the families deserve to have those concerns laid to rest. This article sets out the story behind the arrest and incarceration of the men and explains why this was such a miscarriage of justice. I should declare an interest in that I worked with the families and the FCO on a pro-bono basis to coordinate the legal strategy and to interface with the excellent Indian lawyers. To continue reading click here
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5yEnjoyed every word incredible insight
Project manager
5yGreat Article , in 2012 the Advanfort vessel off Sri Lanka was the SeaPol one, a rat and cockroach infested, undersupplied and substandard platform. While on there I met several Estonian operatives who had been “forgotten” unpaid and living on a bowl of noodle per day for on average 6 weeks. Several AK47’s on board were fully auto and unregistered . On my final transit for Advanfort they gave me two of these illegal weapons (I was team leader) I sent numerous emails and satphone calls to sort the situation but had no reply, the orders were that the Ohio would collect us and the weapons 12 miles off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea , we waited for 4 hours, we could see the location of the Ohio in port by tracking its AIS but again had no response, the master couldn’t wait due to time constraints in the suez. We decided to dispose of the weapons and ammunition overboard and the ships agent arranged for us to be transferred ashore at suez ( where civil unrest was happening) . Advanfort did not pay port fees in all areas, they did not fully pay the guards ( I am still awaiting £2500) and I was threatened with legal action for reporting the company. Advanfort and Indian/Sri Lanka corruption failed these men.
Great article, thank you!