Published Jul 21, 2026 | 5:01 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 21, 2026 | 5:38 PM
Collector Arjun Pandian said the government was taking all necessary steps to bring Akhil's mortal remains.
Synopsis: Kasaragod District Collector Arjun Pandian visited the family of Keralite merchant navy man Akhil Joel after the Union Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his death in the Russian attack on an international cargo vessel in the Black Sea. The Collector said the Kerala government, in coordination with NORKA, was overseeing the repatriation process and assured the family of full support in bringing Akhil’s mortal remains home.
Kasaragod District Collector Arjun Pandian on Tuesday, 21 July, visited the family of Keralite merchant navy officer Akhil Joel at AKG Nagar in Vellarikundu after the Union Ministry of External Affairs officially confirmed his death in the Russian attack on an international cargo vessel in the Black Sea, off the coast of Ukraine’s southern city of Odessa, on Sunday.
Letter from NORKA to MEA.
The attack killed 10 crew members, including four Indians. Twenty-six-year-old Akhil was serving as the Chief Officer of the MV Golden Leo, sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau.
Pandian met Akhil’s parents, Joel and Sally, and other family members, conveyed his condolences, and said the Kerala government, in coordination with NORKA, was taking all necessary steps to bring Akhil’s mortal remains to his hometown and then to his residence.
According to NORKA ROOTS, the body is expected to be repatriated to India within two weeks.
Pandian also assured the family that the district administration would extend full cooperation to the State government in ensuring that all benefits due to Akhil’s family were provided.
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