MPHRP Media Release
The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) has today on behalf of the unfortunate family of Captain Sunil James written to the President of Togo to kindly request hid support to allow Captain James, without any further delay, to return India and perform the last rites of his son, Vivaan, who died on 2 December 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 understand fuly the seriousness of these charges and that they must be faced but sadly, his 11 month old son lost the battle of his life and the little body of his son has been in morgue now for 8 days as the family awaits the return of the father to perform the last rites.
No man should have to bury his son but it is a humanitarian need for a man to be there with his family during this traumatic time and to lay his baby son to rest.  Therefore, 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 grief 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 Organisation (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.”
Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) is a pan industry alliance of ship owners, ship managers, maritime unions, insurance, welfare responders who are working together to assist Seafarers and families with the humanitarian aspects of a traumatic incident caused by pirate attack, armed robbery or being taken hostage etc.
For more contact:
Chirag Bahri, MPHRP Regional Director, South Asia. Mob: +91 9997117220 - Email: india@mphrp.org
Via: http://www.oceanuslive.org/
