Team Herald
MARGAO: A pall of gloom descended on Ambelim village as the locals were saddened by the death of their seafarer Brito D’Silva, who was abducted in Nigeria by the pirates.
Eighteen seafarers including three Goans were released by the pirates, who are currently in Lagos, Nigeria. But, Brito sadly failed to return to Nigeria.
However, despite receiving the sad news, Brito’s family has expressed satisfaction that the company has taken up the responsibility to repatriate his mortal remains.
Questions are raised by the organisations working for seafarers’ welfare against the Indian Embassy, Indian Government and the shipping authorities for allegedly committing errors leading to the abduction of seafarers.
It’s indeed sad that Brito, who married in September, was the lone breadwinner.
It may be recalled that following the attack from pirates on the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker “Duke” off Benin, the crew comprising of 19 seamen were abducted and kept at an unknown location since December 15, 2019.
The oil/chemical tanker was boarded by six pirates, who kidnapped 20 of 21 ship’s crew members.
Except for one, 20 were Indians. Of the 20 seafarers, 4 were Goans namely Roby Rego from Cuncolim, Brito D’Silva from Ambelim, Revlon Fernandes from Chinchinim and Siddharth Naik from Vasco.
It is learnt that 42-year-old Brito died between December 22 and 23 as he was unwell.
However, there was no clarity on his medical condition.
Meanwhile, the Goa Seamen Association of India has blamed authorities for the lapses that led to Brito’s death and for not taking armed guards while sailing in High Risk Areas (HRA).
Indian Embassy is yet to make a statement on his death. Family and friends of Brito ensured that the shipping company officials revealed something concrete before they left.
Later, it was revealed that the company has assured to make all efforts to exhume the body and provide maximum compensation.
It is also learnt that the entire crew members have returned and have not moved out of their rooms. A Goan staffer, who is Chief Engineer of the ship, has revealed a part of the story. However, as soon as their statements are recorded, the entire episode will come to light.
With regards to Brito’s mortal remains, it is learnt that the Embassy has contacted the Nigerian Government and the Army there has been roped in to carry out its search due to the dense forest as it would take time to locate his mortal remains.
Meanwhile, the State NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar in a tweet said, “It is being informed that Brito D’Silva one of 4 Goans seafarers from Ambelim kidnapped by Nigerian pirates died under abduction. Demanding an inquiry into the matter”.
