Sailor’s family yet to receive body

Chennai: Vedachalam Nagooran (65) has not only lost his third son N. Naresh Kumar (37), but also has been left grieving as his seafarer son’s body has not reached him ev­­en after one week of his death. Nagooran told Decc­an Chronicle that his son, who has been a seafarer for the past 15 years, was overworked during Christmas and New Year.

“He complained of chest pain but was not treated pr­o­perly and he died on Jan­uary 3. The shipping company say that they can get back the body from Aus­tralia only after all form­alities are over. We at least want to see his body as early as possible,” the ang­uished father said.

Three months back, Na­resh Kumar joined the Nor­wegian-flagged cargo ship MV Spar Libra at Seoul in South Korea after passing all medical fitness tests in Mumbai. The vessel travel­led to Canada before reaching Australia. It is currently anchored at Port Kembla.

“I was informed that my son developed chest pain when the vessel was nearing Australia and was de­clared dead, while the master of the vessel tried to provide first aid,” said Na­g­o­oran who added that his son’s request to be relieved fro­m duty was delayed as the ship master was expecting re­­p­lacement. 

On January 1, Naresh Ku­mar had spoken to his wife N. Sangeetha and had also promised her that he would soon be home as he was experiencing chest pain. The couple have two young daughters. “My son was ove­rworked as seafarers need to be provided with do­uble rations including ca­kes and other items during festival time,” Nagooran added.

A letter from Elegant Marine Service to San­g­eetha said the company has been “liasoning with local ag­ents in Australia for tran­sporting of mortal remains and same will be delivered to your residence as soon as local formalities are completed.”

An official at the Mer­cantile Marine Department in Chennai said the above-mentioned company was registered with MMD and that they cannot comment on the reason for delay in handing over the body.