The empty 6,800-dwt Royal Grace (built 1984) was seized in March with 17 Indians, three Nigerians, a Pakistani and a Bangladeshi on board.

One relative of an Indian crew member said: “We got a call and we were clearly told that they were giving us until November 30 or that was the end.

“They told us to ask our governments or they will start on the men, one by one.

"Now