Family seeks more information Seafarer from Dauin dies on board ship in Korea

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – The family of a seafarer from Apo Island in Dauin town of Negros Oriental has sought detailed information on the circumstances surrounding his death recently in Korea.

Lauro Suan Alaton, 39, married, reportedly died onboard the cargo ship MV (Chang) Tai Hong I sometime between last Saturday and Sunday, according to his younger brother Ronald Alaton.

Ronald told the media his family received information that his brother Lauro died, but the report did not specify whether the ship was on port call in North Korea or South Korea.

Lauro this year signed a contract with BB Shipping, a company based in Metro Manila, and had boarded the Tai Hong I last January, said Ronald.

Last November 28, Alaton’s family in Apo Island got a call from the recruitment agency informing them that Lauro’s contract was being extended.

Early this month however, the agency informed the family about Lauro’s fate. Ronald said the family was able to speak to a certain Anna Santos from the agency verifying the news and asking for more information about the incident.

Ronald said Santos told his family that Lauro was rushed to the hospital and confined for three days because he was vomiting and defecating blood. He later returned to the vessel and was found dead the next morning inside his room.

The Alatons however have no idea yet on the arrangements and exact date for the repatriation of Lauro’s remains to the Philippines en route to Negros Oriental via Manila, from Korea, said Ronald.

Lauro’s wife, Eleanor, left for Manila yesterday to meet with the wife of another Filipino seafarer who was also on board the Tai Hong I. She hoped to contact the person who might be able to provide more specifics surrounding Lauro’s death.

Ronald and the Alaton family said they were hoping that someone can shed light on the death of Lauro because the recruitment agency has left several unanswered questions. (FREEMAN)