AdvanFort: 33 Guards Released from Prison in India
33 of the 35 guards who have come to be known as the ‘AdvanFort 35’ were released from prison for good on Saturday, the judge ordered. They were released on bail last week, and today the judge ordered them to be freed. AdvanFort, the company that employs those guards has submitted a quash request to the Indian court system, and expects to have the remaining two guards released, and to have the case dismissed as well. Some of the family members of the guards have been to the prison to visit. Others have been very vocal, even going so far as to present a petition the UK Parliament to intervene. The remaining two guards are the master and crew leader of the ship. India's plan was to charge them for not notifying the country of the weapons they had on board when entering Indian waters.
'Seaman Guard Ohio' Personnel: Latest Update
According to the the Mission to Seafarers, families of anti-piracy vessel 'MV Seaman Guard Ohio' personnel being held in India have said that the British lawyers representing the men were dismissed ahead of the upcoming bail hearing. Family members have also launched an appeal for financial help. Global maritime charity organization the Mission to Seafarers is helping crew members and their families and informs it is now in touch with the Indian legal team in an attempt to get clarity around what this might mean for the men.
Advanfort Vessel and Crew Remain in Custody
The judicial magistrate in Tuticorin, C. Kathiravan, extended the custody of the AdvanFort-35 until March 14 after hearing arguments through video conferencing. The Advanfort-35 is the name dubbed to the 35 crew members who were captured by the Indian authorities in October of 2013. They were alleged to have entered Indian waters illegally with the AdvanFort vessel, the Seaman Guard Ohio. The company has since been working for the release of its ship and crew. Despite the custody extension the company has expressed optimism about the situation.
AdvanFort Begins Internal Restructuring
Private maritime security provider AdvanFort announced that it will commence a restructuring program to implement rigid quality control for its PCASPs, meant to ensure that the company complies fully with all regulations in the maritime security industry. According to AdvanFort, the plan includes seeking counsel from outside expert advisers; conducting third party auditing of their training and operations programs and developing an ombudsman program for the operators. The program began earlier this year and will be ongoing. The company believes the restructuring program will help to reinforce its position as a leader in the maritime security industry.
