Advanfort dismisses lawyers on eve of bail judgement

Ince & Co has reassured the crew's families that their dismissal will have no impact on the bail judgement as the bail hearing took place on 14 March. During their five month detention, bail has been repeatedly denied, although hopes are high for this week's judgement.

A Mission to Seafarers (MtS) spokesperson told Seatrade Global: "Advanfort dismissed the legal team from Ince Law, and we are still unsure as to why. The Indian legal team is still in place and we will be liaising with them and feeding information back to the families. Our regional director for the area, Dr Paul Burt is on his way to support the crewmen being held, and hopes to meet with the British Deputy High Commission office locally."

The 10 seafarers and 25 private maritime security contractors, 14 Estonians, 12 Indians, six Britons and three Ukrainians, have been imprisoned since the Advanfort vessel Seaman Guard Ohio was arrested in October last year in Indian waters.

"Obviously the families are very worried, but all we can do is wait and see," MtS added.

MtS is managing and supervising a fundraising campaign to support the crew and their families, donations can be made via the justgiving page.

Earlier this month it came to light that Advanfort's president had quit back in Novemeber 2013.