Stolt Valour captain seeks repatriation

Goyal said it is an act of criminalisation of seafarers. 8220;We will take up the matter with the Centre to raise the issue with the Korean government for the immediate release of the Captain and Chief Officer of the Hebei Spirit,8221; added Goyal.

A crane barge owned by Samsung had collided with the Hebei Spirit on December 8, 2007, 10 km off the coast of South Korea, west of Taean County.

The 8216;Hebei Spirit8217; sustained 3 large punctures and subsequently released an estimated 2.8 million gallons of crude oil. The vessel was anchored and had temporary patches on all of the punctures. Nearly 160 km of coastline had been impacted, with heavy concentrations of oil being spilled.

While addressing the media, Capt Bhagat Singh, the president of the association said, 8220;Despite being proved innocent in June, earlier, this year by the lower court of South Korea, the matter had gone for appeal into the higher court. But after being acquitted, the Korean government detained them illegally.8221;

He added, 8220;The international shipping fraternity is disturbed at this development and has raised their concerns with the Korean authorities that justice for seafarers should be administered and they must be released immediately.8221; The higher court is set to pronounce its decision on December 10.