Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 22 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
The Georgian sailors, who have been in Brazil since August 10, have returned home. Two sailors died in the Brazilian city of Parangua in connection with the explosion of a cylinder used for welding on the Timos Starvos vessel sailing under a Panamanian flag. Georgian citizen Zviad Datunashvili was among the victims. His body was repatriated a few days after the incident.
Brazilian police have filed a criminal case in connection with this incident. An examination was conducted which found the tank was defective. The death of the seamen was recognised as an accident.
According to the decision of the investigating bodies, Captain Akaki Karanadze, first mate Ramaz Varshanidze and welder Buhuti Chanturia remained under house arrest and their passports taken. They were deprived of the right to leave.
There was a trial on Nov. 19 then the sailors were acquitted.
They were returned to Georgia thanks to the efforts of the Foreign Ministry.