The MV Seaman Guard Ohio crew imprisoned in India
In October 2013, 35 crewmen of the MV Seaman Guard Ohio, were held without charge for straying into Indian waters whilst carrying what Indian police claimed to be illegal weapons without permission. Despite providing all weapons’ certification and the relevant paperwork proving they were providing maritime security to merchant vessels and protecting seafarers in some of the most dangerous seas in the world, they were found guilty of these crimes and jailed for five years.
The men were innocent under international maritime law and experienced maritime lawyers supported the Mission’s case to fight this gross miscarriage of justice.
The Mission supported the families from the beginning of their ordeal and provided financial assistance of over £20,000, as well as pastoral care.
The families of the men launched a fund through The Mission to Seafarers, to raise the vital monies needed to appoint a legal team and cover expenses for an appeal. The men were eventually freed in December 2017.
