The individual, identified as Reetha Sahani, on board “Spectrum of the Seas” vessel of the Royal Caribbean Cruise, with her husband, on a four-day cruise, was announced missing on 31st July.
Jakesh Sahani, the husband informed that he woke up in the middle of the night and found his wife nowhere to be seen. The two were on the return from Penang to Singapore when the incident occurred. Mr. Sahani attempted to locate his wife but the crew had informed him that the overboard detection system on the vessel had been triggered, indicating that someone had fallen from the ship into the Singapore Strait.
Apoorv Sahani, the son informed The Straits Times that the cruise staff claimed that his mother had jumped off the vessel but no video footage was provided for confirmation. He further stated that a request was made to view the on-board CCTV (close – circuit television) footage, but up to now no footage has been provided to confirm that it was her. The only information that was provided was that the ship crew believe that she had jumped.
Mr. Sahani tweeted that “they are washing their hands off”, requesting assistance from prime minister’s office and India’s foreign minister.
The son added, eventually his father was informed to get down from the ship. “It does not make sense; she was enjoying her holiday when this whole thing happened”.
Mr. Shani eventually shared and confirmed that his mother had died, as ultimately the cruise liner shared the surveillance video. He did not inform the cause of death, but indicated a search is underway to locate the body. He requested some privacy as they mourn her loss, Ironically, she died on her birthday.
The Indian high commission in Singapore said that since the incident was informed, they have been in constant touch with the woman’s family. They further stated that they are corresponding with the Singapore authorities with related issues and are enabling legal procedures.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Singapore was informed with regard to the incident, and the Singapore coast guard and the navy are supporting with the search operations, extending the search to cover the stretch of the 113 Km long strait.
