Young Seafarer From India Dies In Africa Due To Captain’s Negligence

A young seafarer from Cherthala in Allepey, Kerala has died onboard the ship he was serving in and his parents are now alleging negligence behind their son’s untimely death.

The 31 year old seafarer was onboard the merchant ship traveling along the African coast when the unforgettable incident happened.
His bereft parents have already lodged a complaint against the ship’s captain. Registering their complaint with the Director General of Shipping they have demanded an inquiry into the incident alleging delay in medical attention.

P J Vavachan, the father of the victim Abin P Vavachan is demanding a thorough investigation after his son was declared dead due to meningitis onboard the ship on 18th January.

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The family received his body on Monday and they performed his last rights on Tuesday. The funeral was held at Arthunkal St Andrews basilica cemetery.

Abin worked on the Mumbai based Executive Ship Management Pvt Limited ship Laperouse which he boarded in October. The bereft father said that his son was an able seaman with 8 years of experience who was to serve his term on the ship till January but his conditions worsened and no aid was provided.

Seafarer Needed Medical Attention

His Seafarers colleagues had informed that his condition worsened and required immediate medical attention which the captain and second officer didn’t attend to. Avon’s family wasn’t able to contact him but they urged the company to take action through a series of messages, calls and emails. However, no one responded or took any action

Emergency Service Not Availed

“As per the autopsy report, the cause of death is meningitis. But in case of a healthy youth, meningitis cannot be life threatening. According to the information we received, my son was sick and bedridden from January 12 to 18. The ship concerned is a gas tanker servicing as a supply ship and operates along the shore. Hence, the ship could have had access to any port like Lagos or Tema of Ghana within three hours or could easily connect with a local boat or other emergency services”, said Abin’s father

Air Rescue Option Available

“Air rescue also was available, had the captain given the nod for it. The officer did not show any humanitarian consideration to my son. This is a clear case of mercy killing of an Indian citizen working abroad and needs proper inquiry,” Abin’s father further wrote in the complaint

Reference: newindianexpress.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News