A family in Vellarikkundu, in Kerala's Kasaragod district, had spent recent weeks getting ready for a wedding at home, but an email that arrived on Monday evening turned that anticipation into grief. Akhil Joyan, a 26-year-old sailor, was killed in an attack on the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo near the coast of Odesa in Ukraine. Three other Indian sailors also died in the same attack, which took place amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Family's Only Support
Akhil, a native of Vellarikkundu, had been working as a sailor at sea for the past six years. His father, Joyan, runs a small electrical shop, while his mother, Sally, works as an insurance agent. Akhil was the couple's only child, and his parents had put their life's entire savings into building his future. Shobi Joseph, a ward member of Vellarikkundu under the Balala Gram Panchayat, said the family was an ordinary one whose future depended largely on Akhil. He added that the family had recently built a house of their own, one that Akhil was expected to help support along with his parents in the years ahead.
Weeks Away From a Wedding at Home
According to Joseph, Akhil had come home about three months earlier for his engagement ceremony. His wedding was now just two months away, and his bride-to-be is from Alappuzha district. After that break, Akhil had gone back to work roughly a month before the attack. He was also known locally as a popular tug-of-war player. Recalling him, Joseph said, "He was known as a young man of good behaviour and discipline." Akhil was reportedly also considering a job change soon, hoping to build a better future and eventually return home for good.
Death Confirmed Through an Email
The family learned of Akhil's death on Monday evening through an email sent by the shipping company he worked for. Joseph said Akhil had joined the merchant navy at just 19 years of age, and the sea had been his workplace ever since. He said the family, along with local representatives, is now trying to gather more details and complete the necessary paperwork. They remain in constant touch with local leaders for help in bringing Akhil's body back to Vellarikkundu and completing the remaining formalities.
Government Steps In
Following the incident, the office of Kerala's Chief Minister issued a statement saying it has directed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs department, NORKA, to coordinate with the Russian consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to gather further information. The direction came after the death of a person from Kerala in the attack on a merchant ship near Ukraine. The family and residents of Vellarikkundu now hope for swift government assistance so that Akhil's body can be brought home without delay and the family gets the support it needs during this difficult time.
