1-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) The family of Mr. Muhammad Furqan Mohamed Rashid, a Singaporean man who went missing after falling from a ship into US waters in late June, has now presumed him dead. His sister, Nur Afifah Mohamed Rashid, made this heartbreaking announcement in a Facebook post.
Mr. Furqan was reported missing on June 20 after falling overboard from a bulk carrier vessel located 22 km off the coast of Point Conception, California, according to the US Coast Guard. The area where he fell into the sea is known for having some of the roughest waters in the country.
At the time of the incident, the 25-year-old was participating in a qualification exercise to become a junior deck officer. His friend, Muhammad Fariz, described him as “filled with hope and excitement.”
A 15-hour search for Mr. Furqan was carried out but was suspended on June 21. More than three months later, the family received an update from the US Coast Guard, which declared the case “presumed dead” due to the inability to recover Mr. Furqan’s body.
His sister, Nur Afifah, expressed the family’s desire to receive the official report from the US Coast Guard, hoping that it would provide answers and clarity about the incident.
Upon his disappearance, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that it was in contact with Mr. Furqan’s family and promised to monitor developments while providing necessary consular support.
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) confirmed that no other Singaporeans were on board the bulk carrier vessel, named The African Cardinal, a Panama-flagged ship. The MPA has been rendering support to the family during this difficult period.
Nur Afifah expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from friends and well-wishers, which has provided her family with comfort and strength during these challenging times.
