‘Where is Justin?’: Malayali staff goes missing from ship en route to US, family on toes, man missing case, ship cook missing from Kerala, India, South Africa

Shiju S Nair

11 February 2022, 12:24 PM IST

1 min read

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Kurichi: A family in Kurichi village in Kerala’s Kottayam is on their toes as one of its members went missing from the ship named Atlanta, en route to the US. Justin Kuruvila (30), son of late Kuruvila and Kunjunjamma was onboard the private ship which started off from South Africa.

Justin, who works as an assistant cook on the ship, made his last call to family members on February 6. After that, there has been no contact and on February 9 around 7:30 AM, Justin’s brother Shefin received a call from the ship that he (Justin) has been missing. Shefin also received an e-mail regarding the same by afternoon. On knowing the matter, panchayat member Bindhu Ramesh informed Chingavanam police. The family too filed a formal complaint on February 10 morning. The ship authorities conveyed that they have seized their investigation about Justin.

Meanwhile, the Intelligence Bureau also has been intimated on the matter. The family has approached various bureaucrats and political leaders for their interventions. The union of ship workers in Ernakulam has extended their support. The family urged both the state and the union government to initiate proactive measures. Both the governments have assured all their support. Representatives from Opposition parties too came with the support of family.

Justin has been working on the ship for more than six years. He was not able to attend Shefin’s wedding. His last visit to the home was three months back and he had a plan to come back next month.