Government of India welcomes the verdict of the Daejon High Court, Republic of Korea, delivered on 11 June 2009 in which the two Indian seafarers - Captain J. S. Chawla and Chief Officer Chetan Syam of the marine vessel "Hebei Spirit" have been held "not guilty" on the charge of criminal negligence leading to destruction of property. This verdict once again vindicates the position of the two Indian seafarers that there was no criminal negligence on their part in the accident involving their ship.

Government of India understands that the lawyers of the Indian seafarers have already approached the Prosecution for lifting the exit ban on them.

It is hoped that the exit ban on the two seafarers will be lifted and that they will be able to return home soon.

New Delhi
June 11, 2009