Relatives of a Lithuanian sailor who died in a boat accident are appealing for financial assistance to repatriate the body, as the costs are prohibitively high.
A tragic incident occurred involving a sailing ship near Green Cape, where a fire erupted leading to the vessel capsizing and sinking. During a rescue operation on January 31, emergency services retrieved two survivors, both Lithuanian nationals, who although suffering from burns, were reported to be in stable condition. A third individual was found deceased, identified as the ship's captain. The survivors confirmed that they were the only crew members aboard the ship, which had been engulfed in flames before its sinking.
The survivors were transported to the port in Praia, Green Cape, where they received medical attention for their injuries. The report from a local television channel highlighted one rescuee named Rimvydas Usevičius, who, along with his companion, faced significant physical injuries from the incident amidst their harrowing experience. As they recover in the hospital, their families are now confronted with the daunting task of repatriating the deceased's body back to Lithuania, which is incurring substantial financial burden as they seek public assistance to cover the costs.
This incident raises important discussions about maritime safety and the responsibilities of sailing operations, particularly in remote areas where rescue services may be scarce. The emotional toll on the families affected is compounded by the logistics and expenses associated with bringing a loved one home, prompting calls for support from the community and authorities to aid the grieving relatives during this challenging time.
