We want to get our families home for Christmas

Two trials have taken place since then, with the men being cleared on the first occasion, but not being allowed to leave the country, while an appeal against the charges was being considered. The second trial led to the conviction of all the 35 members, who were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in January 2016. However, they were acquitted by the Madras High Court on Monday.

Friends and family of the six — Nick Dunn, John Armstrong, Ray Tindall, Nicholas Simpson, Paul Towers and Billy Irving – escalated efforts all over social media recently in order to promote their campaign that received nationwide attention in England, calling for their release in the wake of the judgement.

With several British politicians, including Prime Minister Theresa May (who took up the issue with her counterpart Narendra Modi during her visit in November 2016) conveying their support and happiness at the news, the families of the imprisoned six, immediately reacted online. “We now wait to hear as and when the men will be allowed home.

This may take some time due to paperwork, but the men’s release from prison is imminent. But the families are understandably delighted that finally common sense and justice has prevailed.” Reportedly, the Madurai bench has now directed that all crew members can apply to the Indian authorities to get back their passports, after which, they will be able to travel home.

Earlier, Yvonne MacHugh, wife of Billy Irving, talking to DTNext from UK, said, “The purpose of the campaign was to make people aware of this case – this is the first time in history that anti-piracy guards have been arrested. Social media is one of the biggest media outlets. It allowed us to reach nearly half a million signatures on a petition on change.org/6soldiers calling on their release.” She further added, “When the men were granted bail in 2014, I flew to India and was there with my husband for just under 5 months. For 18 months, our men were then held in India as free men, but not allowed to return home or to work.

Then they were imprisoned again, as the nightmare began. Many people lost their homes, their cars, their jobs, and families broke down. I was in India just last week, and I’m so thankful to my Indian friends in Chennai who look after me while I am there.

One positive of the hell we are suffering is the friendships and extended family we have made. Now, we want to get our families home for Christmas. No one can understand the stress and devastation this has caused to so many people.”