The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program (MPHRP) has on behalf of the family of Captain Sunil James written to the President of Togo to request allowance for Captain James to return India and perform the last rites of his son, Vivaan, who died on December 2, 2013.
Capt. Sunil James, Master of MT Centurion had been in detention by Togo police on charges of aiding piracy on his vessel since July 2013. MPHRP said it understand fully the seriousness of these charges and that they must be faced, but the body of Capt. James’ 11-month-old son has been in a morgue for eight days as the family awaits the return of the father to perform the last rites.
MPHRP has requested the Government of Togo, all the involved stakeholders to allow Captain James on a humanitarian basis to be with his wife and family and be allowed to grieve and bid farewell to his young son.
MPHRP is also inviting its Maritime Partners especially those with influence in Togo to join us in this call. A copy of the letter has been sent to Mr. Koji Sekimiz Secretary General of the IMO.
Chirag Bahri, MPHRP Regional Director South Asia said, “We appeal to International Maritime Organization (IMO), Government of Togo and international maritime community to assist the family in this hour of need. Whatever be the charges, it is utmost important for an individual to be with his family and perform the last rites of their son.”
mphrp.org