A Filipino crew member has been found dead in his cabin on a Pacific Basin bulker in the UK.
The body of Gerfe Cadelina, 38, was discovered while the 33,000-dwt Silver Lake (built 2008) was docked at Teesport on 27 June, the Bohol Chronicle reported.
The electrician was reportedly found with a rope around his neck in an apparent suicide.
The report said there were no signs of other injuries indicating a struggle.
But his family believe there could have been other factors involved.
“It was suspected of being work-related. Maybe there was foul play because I don’t believe that he will commit suicide because his plans for us are serious,” the newspaper quoted Cadelina’s wife, Erah, as saying.
No suicide note was found in the seafarer’s possession or in his cabin.
Erah said she last spoke to her husband on 27 June and he had not shown any signs of distress.
Cadelina, who had been working on vessels for eight years, was planning to request leave to return home for the birth of his fourth child in November, his wife added.
UK authorities were due to perform a post-mortem examination.
Full support
The Hong Kong-based shipping company told TradeWinds: “Pacific Basin wish to express their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. We continue to provide our full support to the family and our colleagues on board during this difficult time.”
“All appropriate authorities including the vessel flag state were promptly notified. We are providing assistance with the ongoing investigation,” the owner added.
AIS data showed the Hong Kong-flagged Silver Lake left Teesport on 2 July. No destination port was being indicated.
