the goan I network
MARGAO
The Goan Seamen Association of India has sought the intervention of the State and Indian governments to mete out justice to the Assolna-based Cardozo family which is suspecting foul play into the disappearance of Aurelio Cardozo, who went missing on board a ship recently.
GSAI spokesman Dixon Vaz has dashed off a letter to the representative of the company which had engaged Aurelio as a chief cook. After visiting the family at Assolna on Tuesday, Dixon has sent an e-mail to the company representative on behalf of Aurelio’s wife Pedrinha Cardozo demanding justice for the family.
In the e-mail, Dixon drew attention of the company to the family’s non-acceptance of the theory that Aurelio may have committed suicide as he spoke to them everyday.
Dixon, however, pointed out the Aurelio only complained that there’s not enough provision on board to feed the crew and complained provisions were not purchased frequently. Since the last one month he joined the vessel, no provision was bought, leaving the crew unhappy, he stated.
He further pointed out that Aurelio’s wife Pedrinha is demanding that the case be investigated properly as the family is suspecting foul play.
He said the GSAI is requesting the government of India and the government of Goa to help the family by investigating the matter and to give justice to the family. “This is a very strange case that Aurelio had come to work and was seen by the other crew. Hence, there’s a possibility of foul play,” he added.
Co-founder of GSAI Frank Viegas also asserted he strongly suspects foul play in the matter as per Aurelio’s statement. “Since Aurelio had complained of provision shortage and interference or pressure from the Captain in the handling of provisions, some of the crew were upset. The message to the shipping fraternity should be loud and clear that the top management level of the ship should have a cordial relationship with his crew members for smooth sailing of the ship,” Viegas added.
