From the freedom of their hotel in India today Billy Irving, John Armstrong, Nicholas Simpson, Ray Tindall, Nick Dunn, and Paul Towers – collectively known as the Chennai Six – have issued this joint statement on behalf of themselves and their families.
“After four long years, we, along with the 29 crew of the Seaman Guard Ohio, have been cleared by the Appeal Court. We want to thank the court for reaching this decision. We are all in good health and eager to return to our families and friends. Whilst we wait for permission to leave India and come home, we ask the media to respect our privacy and that of our families during this process.
“We want to thank our legal counsel, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Mission to Seafarers for helping us reach this point. We have been glad to receive the many messages of support and care packages during our time in prison, and ask for time to reflect on our experience and to prepare for home.
“We kindly ask that any individuals or media interested in our story do not contact us or our families directly at present. Please respect our collective wish for privacy at this time.”
Please contact the Mission to Seafarers if you have any further enquiries at [email protected]
Chennai Six: The Background
The Chennai Six are six ex-servicemen who were working on an American anti-piracy vessel as security guards.
In October 2013, the seafarers were held by local authorities in India accused of not having the correct permits to carry firearms despite having the necessary paperwork. The Chennai Six were sentenced to five years in jail in January 2016 on the back of this.
The Mission to Seafarers provided vital support to the families of the Chennai Six throughout the process of protesting their innocence.
Support The Mission to Seafarers
This is just one example of the vital work The Mission to Seafarers undertakes to provide support and assistance to seafarers globally.
Not only do we provide assistance in scenarios such as that which was experienced by the Chennai Six, but we also support seafarers suffering from mental health issues, fatigue, communicating with family back home and much more.
You can help us continue this vital work to support a key worker which often goes undervalued given their contribution to the running of the global economy by providing us with a donation. All contributions are welcomed by both The Mission to Seafarers and the seamen and women that we support.
