Seafarer from Kasaragod killed in attack on cargo ship off Ukraine

A 26-year-old merchant navy sailor from Kerala was killed in a Russian attack on a cargo ship off Ukraine’s Odesa coast, his family received on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Akhil Joyan from AKG Nagar in Velarikundu in Kasaragod district. He was the only son of Joyan and Sally of Viplackal House.

According to the first information the family received, Akhil lost his life in the explosion that occurred on the cargo ship he was serving on. The shipping company notified the family of his death via email Monday afternoon. Further details of the incident were not immediately available.

Initial reports indicated that approximately 10 crew members were killed in the attack, while eight others were rescued by Ukrainian authorities.

The ship, identified as the Golden Lion, was reportedly carrying food grains when it was attacked. It was stated that there were also Indian and Syrian nationals among those on the ship.

Akhil had joined the merchant navy at the age of 19. In addition to his sailing career, he was also recognized as a world record holder in tug of war, a discipline related to rope pulling. He had excelled in tug-of-war competitions since his school days.

Akhil had recently returned to Kerala on leave, during which his marriage had also been fixed. He rejoined the post a month ago. While his family was preparing for the wedding, tragedy struck.

News of his death spread quickly in Vellarikundu; Relatives, friends and local residents gathered at his home to console the grieving family.

Following reports that a Keralite was killed in the attack, the Prime Minister’s Office launched an investigation to establish the facts. He instructed NORKA Roots to coordinate with the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain official details of the incident.

Further steps, including arrangements for repatriation of Akhil’s body, are expected to be taken after receiving official approval and additional information.

Meanwhile, Kasaragod district administration said that it has not received any official information about the incident yet.