NORFOLK -- One survivor of the USS Cole attack says it is “very disheartening” to hear none of the defendants convicted in the bombing is being punished for the crime anymore.

About eight years ago, Al Qaida suicide bombers blew a 40x40 foot hole in the portside hull of the Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer USS Cole during a refueling stop in the port of Aden, Yemen. It was just as sailors lined up for lunch in the enlisted mess.

Then-President Bill Clinton called the attack a “despicable and cowardly act.” He vowed to “find out who was responsible and hold them accountable.”

Now, every conspirator convicted in the plot has gone free, either by escaping from prison or by getting released.

Retired Gunner’s Mate Chief Normal Larson of Norfolk is pretty upset about the developments, and the USS Cole Association president says he is not sure there will ever be any justice.

He says the Yemenese government never took the case very seriously.

“They have not enforced justice from their side of the coin. So, therefore, there is no justice for our shipmates,” Larson said.

Seventeen of Larson’s fellow Cole sailors died in the blast and another 39 were wounded. Larson would like some accountability, but would be happy with some justice.

“Retribution is the first thing that comes to mind, but that doesn’t bring the 17 back,” he said.

As for all of the attackers and accomplices going free, Larson said he was “really saddened by it. I’m saddened that they would let them out because who knows what they’re doing now.”

Larson is not alone in his frustration. 13News received an email from John Clodfelter, whose son Kenneth was among those killed. He wrote, “Like I’ve said for quite some time, now, Yemen cannot be trusted and they’re anything but friends of the U.S.”