Detained US ship MV Seaman's crew member attempts suicide second time

Updated: Monday, October 21, 2013, 15:14 [IST]

Tuticorin, Oct 21: The chief engineer of the detained US ship-MV Seaman Guard Ohio, on Monday, tried to kill himself in prison in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, reports said.

According to a report, the jail authorities described Siderenko Valeriy, a Ukrainian national as "stressed and restless", who attempted to commit suicide by hanging with the help of 'flag mast' in prison.

But, timely intervention of security personnel saved him from committing suicide and he was admitted to the port hospital.

After being declared as fit, Valeriy was shifted to Palayamkottai prison.

It was reported that it was second unsuccessful suicide attempt by Valeriy. Now, he has been kept under observation.

The jail officials said, "The different language and the condition of our jail is a major problem for the crew."

The language and the condition of jail is a major problem for the crew members.

All the arrested crew members are confined in same jail premises and are being counselled.

The US ship-MV Seaman Guard Ohio-was detained on October 12 by the coast guard on information that it was illegally carrying arms and ammunition, without any clearances.

An FIR was issued against the 10 crew members and the 25 guards when they were unable to produce any documents from the organization they were employed with, within the time span of 2 days they were given.

The ship was discovered between the Tuticorin port and Kudankulam nuclear power plant for 30 days, which further raised the suspicion of the authorities.

Of the 10 crew members, two are Ukranian and eight are Indian nationals.

Besides, out of the 25 security guards, six are British nationals, 14 are Estonians, and four are Indians and one is Ukranian. In fact, the four Indian security guards are ex-Indian Army and Navy personnel.

Meanwhile, the shipping minister GK Vasan said, "All those arrested from the ship have been lodged at a prison in Palayamkottai. The truth will come out after a full enquiry. The law will take its own course."

OneIndia News