Kerala youth stranded on Iranian cargo vessel off Sharjah coast for a month; kin seek help

KOLLAM: A maritime trainee from Chandanathope in Kollam has been stranded on an Iranian cargo vessel mid-sea off Sharjah coast for nearly a month, with the family alleging that he is suffering without proper food. Akhimon M, 21, had travelled from Mumbai to Iran on April 14 last year to join Iran-based cargo vessel Queen Star. After completing training at International Maritime Academy in Chennai, he secured placement through Jaipur-based recruitment agency Rudraksh Shipping Services. The family said the situation has become increasingly difficult for Akhimon as the war has hit maritime operations in Persian Gulf region. Akhimon's mother Rameeha Madhu told TOI that the family last spoke to him four days ago."They have not been providing proper food or salary to my son. He said he is struggling there and the situation is getting worse with each passing day. He is our only son and we're helpless. I don't know what to do except cry," said Madhu. She said the contract of Akhimon and four others who were initially onboard the same vessel had ended in Jan. While the four others returned home, Akhimon was reportedly asked by the cargo company to join one more voyage to Dubai, promising that he would be formally allowed to go after that. But before the voyage could take place, tensions escalated in the region following the Iran-US/Israel conflict, disrupting vessel movement.Akhimon informed his family that the vessel was moving towards Karachi port in Pakistan, which has further increased their anxiety. He has urged his family to approach authorities and seek help to ensure his return to India."I'm really worried about my son. I keep thinking about what he goes through there. I have not been able to sleep properly," she said.The family has approached the shipowner and also sought the intervention of Kollam MP N K Premachandran. Premachandran told TOI that he has taken up the matter with the authorities concerned. "The family contacted me and I have taken up the matter with the Indian embassy in Iran. The Indian mission has initiated steps to facilitate his return. The mission informed me that his sign-off procedure is under way and arrangements are being coordinated to facilitate his disembarkation," he said."At present it is difficult to say when he would be able to return home as the situation depends largely on the global developments. However, the Indian embassy in Iran has identified him and he is reported to be safe. That's a positive sign," said Premachandran.