Two Ukraine nationals held by ‘Q’ Branch police

The two arrested were among the crew of the ship held in detention for illegally carrying arms and ammunition and straying in to Indian waters on violation on October 12.

Two crew members including master of detained U.S ship remanded to judicial custody in Tuticorin on Saturday. Photo : N.Rajesh

Two Ukraine nationals – crew of the detained US ship Seaman Guard Ohio – were arrested by Tamil Nadu ‘Q’ Branch police and produced before Tuticorin Fast Track Court, Magistrate Level, M. Akila Devi on Saturday.

The arrested include master of the ship Dudnik Valentyn and an engineer Sidorenko Valeriy.

The duo had a brief reprieve after the investigation authorities let them on the vessel for upkeep and maintenance of the vessel on a temporary arrangement until their replacements.

The two arrested were among the crew of the ship held in detention for illegally carrying arms and ammunition and straying in to Indian waters on violation on October 12.

Reliable sources said Mr. Sidorenko Valeriy, who remained in the ship, had allegedly made a suicide attempt by hanging himself with a ropeout of frustration and mental depression.

Timely intervention by the CISF personnel on guard close to the detained vessel saved him.

Subsequently, he was taken to Port Hospital in Tuticorin, where he was offered first aid by doctors.

The arrested were later sent to judicial custody.

Amidst tight security, they were taken by road to Tirunelveli and lodged in Palayamkottai central prison.