Justice for Officers of Hebei Spirit

PLEA FROM DISTRESSED PARENTS FOR HELP FROM GOVERNMENT

My son, Chetan Syam, Chief Officer and Capt. Jasprit Chawla, Master of the oil tanker MT Hebei Spirit, a Hong Kong registered ship, are being held in a prison in the city of Daejeon, South Korea. Some of the salient points relating to the unfortunate incident are as under:

On 7th December 2007, while the ship was anchored in a safe anchorage in South Korean Port and was waiting to discharge its load of crude oil, a crane barge belonging to Samsung, broke free from its towing tug and collided with the anchored oil tanker, rupturing three of its cargo tanks . There was a consequent oil spill. The crew did everything humanly possible for minimizing the spill, saving human lives and the port. Their prompt action was in fact commended by the International Maritime Industry.

The matter went to Court wherein the above officers were found to be totally innocent and cleared of all the charges by a verdict on 23rd June 2008 from the Branch Court Seosan of District Court of Daejeon. The Public Prosecutor of the Port Town appealed against this verdict in a higher court. During the entire period of trial from 7th December 2007 till the final verdict by the higher court on 10th December 2008 the two Indian Officers were denied exit visas and were compelled to stay in South Korea in total contravention of the stipulated Maritime Laws, universal support and outcry from all the Maritime nations. The unfortunate verdict delivered on 10th December 2008, to the utter dismay and disappointment of all, went against the Indian Officers who were sentenced to imprisonment of 8 months and 18 months respectively. We learnt that they were immediately handcuffed, chained and marched to their solitary confinement cells with little or no facilities in subhuman conditions. In short they are being treated like hardcore common criminals.

Whilst support in large measure from all quarters is pouring in, we appeal for your support, to ensure that the Indian Officers are granted bail and allowed to return home. We shall be most grateful for your support to ensure speedy return of our children.