For six months now, Captain James and two other merchant navy officers have been held in Togo.
For the family of Captain Sunil James, the agonizing wait for his release continues. On Monday, authorities of the Western African country of Togo will hear his plea for release from a jail, allegedly on false charges of theft and helping pirates.
His family is desperate. They are hoping the merchant navy officer can come home to bury his 11-month-old son Vivaan who died of gangrene and septicaemia earlier this week. While Indian officials have met court authorities, there has been no progress.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin, tweeted, "India's Consular Officer meets Capt Sunil James & 2 other sailors detained in Lome. Pursues request 4 release with senior officials of Togo"
Rakesh Madappa, brother-in-law of Captain Sunil James who has been to Togo to help Captain Sunil, says it's all up to the court.
"The court has said according to our lawyer there that it does appreciate the intrusion by Indian Authorities. But they were only there to help Sunil and to intercede on our behalf. The court also said that they won't act under pressure and it will take its time to decide on the case", he says.
The family is grateful for the Indian government's intervention, albeit late, but claims it took the death of a child for the Ministry of External Affairs to act.
"The attitude of the authorities earlier was callous, unfeeling," says Rakesh Madappa.
For six months now, Captain James and two other merchant navy officers have been held in Togo.
Their ship Oil Tanker Ocean Centurion was attacked by pirates armed with AK 47s on the waters near Togo on July 16 this year.
Captain Sunil James complained to the authorities in Togo. But after an investigation, Togo authorities held him and two other officers responsible for helping the pirates, some of whom they claim were Indians.
The family says the charges don't stick.
"Sunil always said the truth will prevail," says Captain Sunil's brother in law. "They have nothing against him but Sunil is all alone in Togo, with no support, no family, and no friends. Weeping inconsolably, now his baby's death has pushed him over the edge," he laments.