Kochi youth goes ‘missing’ from Japanese ship, kin seek govt. help to trace him

Shinton Benny, a deck officer trainee from Manattuparambu, near Njarackal, disappeared from a Japan-flagged commercial ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines on Wednesday. The ship, which was en route from South Africa to Singapore, has delayed its arrival by a day due to the search for the missing youth. The family has reached out to authorities, including the Njarackal police, Chief Minister V.D.

Satheesan, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, and Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, for their assistance in locating Shinton. Sharon Benny, Shinton's elder brother, informed The Hindu that the company had returned to search the area where the ship was believed to have gone missing and that the search efforts would continue after the scheduled arrival in Singapore.

They have also learned that there are two other crew members from Kerala on the ship but have been unable to contact them. The Ernakulam MP has promised to raise the matter with the relevant ministries, expressing concern over the family's emotional distress. The shipping company has yet to provide any statement or response to inquiries.