Russian Sailors Claim Liberation of Indian Collegues

NAKHODKA. 9 December. VOSTOK-MEDIA. Today, Labour Union of Russian Sailors made a stand for Indian ship master of the tanker “Hebei Spirit” Jasprit Chavle and major master’s assistant Sim Chetan for over a year being held in Republic of Korea.
Labour Union sent a letter to the Korean General Consulate demanding liberation of Indian sailors. They are kept unreasonably, Russian counterparts suppose. Labour Union supports International Federation of Transport Workers in their demand.
November, 2007, the tanker “Hebei Spirit” was waiting on the raid for discharge in one of the port in South Korea while it was hit by one of Korean crane barges. Given the damage, oil spilt in the sea. The court decision returned Indian sailors non-guilty on the charge of dereliction of duty. But ship master Jasprit Chavle and major assistant Sim Chetan are still held in South Korea waiting for a new court decision after an appeal brought in by Korean counterparts. New court meeting is on December, 10.
International Federation of Transport Workers called upon member organizations to meet with Korean friends, counterparts, companies and firms in order to show concern in Indian sailors’ situation not later than December, 9. Today Far Eastern Regional Labour Union of Russian Sailors is said to appeal for the General Consulate of Republic of Korea in Vladivostok. Besides, the same appeal will be sent to Korean Embassy in Moscow by Labour Union of Russian sailors.