The 17 Indians, two Nigerians, two Bangladeshis and a Pakistani tasted freedom on 11 March after a year in captivity on the 6,800-dwt chemical tanker Royal Grace (built 1984).

And they reached an agreement on Sunday to accept three months' back pay, after initially holding out for six months.

Two of the men, said to be in a critical condition, flew to India on the same day from Oman.

Royal