That photo is actually quite old - I don't know precisely when it was taken, but it was fairly early in the crew's captivity. Look at the men. If they were dejected then, if they were tired, sick, and hopeless then, think what they must be feeling today. We may be tired of this photo - but think of how tired these men and their shipmates are of their endless captivity and abuse!
This group - MV Iceberg 1 Mariners Action Group - was formed by fellow mariners with one goal in mind: to help bring pressure to free these hostages. It has taken us a while to get organized, but your support and encouragement have helped a lot. Now our first petition is ready for your signature. You can find the petition here.
This is the first of what we intend to be many petitions directed toward company or government officials, or other persons who might be able to help these hostages. This one is directed toward the President of India, Mr. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, and the Indian Minister of Shipping, Mr. Shri G. K. Vasan.
Other petitions will target other individuals; you can influence the content and direction of future petitions! And Mariners Action Group needs your help. Let us know who else should be petitioned, and what you think those petitions should say. And support this initial petition with your signature!
One of this group's founders, a shipmaster in his own right, put it like this: If MV Iceberg 1 was sinking, we'd rush to their aid with everything we had. Why is the world letting these men founder in captivity without lifting a finger? They're dying just the same as if their ship was going down. MV Iceberg 1 may not be sinking, but we still need to do what we can.
We're all human beings - many of us are seamen or are members of a seaman's family - we know these hostages need freedom now! Let's make this petition a living testament to our support for them. Please sign it, and tell your shipmates and friends. Think of the support you'd like to see if you were hostage - and act today!