Advanfort Crew to Be Tried on Illegal Weapons Charges

Published Jul 2, 2015 12:50 PM by The Maritime Executive

The Indian Supreme Court has restored illegal arms charges against the crew of the Sea Guard Ohio, a security escort vessel owned by U.S.-based Advanfort, according to a BBC report (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-33342245). Currently, there are six UK citizens being held by the Indian government:?

Nick Dunn of Ashington, Northumberland
Ray Tindall, Chester
Billy Irving of Connel, Argyll
Paul Towners, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
John Armstrong, Wigton, Cumbria
Nicholas Simpson, Catterick, North Yorkshire

The Sea Guard Ohio was detained by the Indian Coast Guard on October 12, 2013 in conjunction with Customs, the Intelligence Bureau, the superintendent of police from Tuticorin, the Directorate of Revenue, Marine Police and India’s famed Q-Branch, a special unit of state police dealing with terrorists and extremists.

According to Indian officials, the ship was carrying 35 firearms, more than 5,600 rounds of ammunition and 102 weapons magazines, which were kept without any documentation. On October 18, 2013, the crew of 35 was arrested.