Kasaragod: A sailor has gone missing in the Panama Sea from a ship since August 11, said family sources.

Nikhil Kadappuram (21), son of Gopinath Kunhappu from Udama went reportedly missing from the vessel MV Bochem Brussels, while en route from Corinto, Nicaragua to Balboa, Panama. Nikhil was working as a saloon trainee seaman on the ship which belongs to Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) Pvt Ltd. He was supposed to return home next month.

As per the sources from the ship, Nikhli was last spotted by crew members on August 11. It is said that Nikhil after finishing his routine work did not report back to work. The chief cook who personally went to check Nikhil’s cabin, found no response. The cabin was then opened using a master key to found it empty. The ship was thoroughly checked after an announcement was made about the missing seaman. MRCC and Panamanian Aero naval service were also notified.

Currently, Panamanian Aero naval service along with other vessels in the vicinity is carrying out the search operations.

The worried family has urged the State, Central governments and people’s representatives to help them in this hour of need.

Nikhil’s father is working at a private hospital in Palakunnu, while mother Sushila and brother Nitin are working in the Gulf. Nikhil’s sister Nitya is pursuing her degree.