International solidarity needed to help secure the release of Hebei spirit officers
The ITF is calling on affiliated unions to highlight the plight of two innocent officers, members of ITF Indian seafaring affiliate, who are detained in South Korea following an oil spill from their ship last year.
How you can help
We are calling on ITF unions to draw the Korean authorities’ attention to the men’s case as soon as possible and before 9 December, the day before the judgement is handed down:
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Making appointments with Korean embassies and diplomatic representatives to meet, express concerns and present the model letter.
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Speaking informally to any Korean shipping or industrial contacts the union has, at the highest possible level, to express concern at these events.
Background information
Despite their exoneration, the Hebei Spirit's Captain Jasprit Chawla and its Chief Officer Syam Chetan continue to be detained in Korea. They are currently awaiting decision of the appeal court because the Korean prosecution appealed the case.The appeal decision will be handed down on 10th December.
At the time of the accident the Hebei Spirit was at anchor; a Samsung barge, which had torn loose from its tug, struck the tanker causing the spill.
The ITF strongly believes that the two seafarers have been unfairly caught up in efforts to address the crisis caused by the incident, which has affected thousands of people living and working in the area.
