Trippunithura: The family of rescued Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy heaved a sigh of relief as the news about his evacuation broke on Monday. They were tense for the last few days as the sailor lay incapacitated in his sailboat in a remote part of the Indian Ocean, but they are now relieved and hope the daring sailor will recover soon and will be back in action.
The sailor's father V C Tomy and mother Valsamma had spent their time in deep prayers at their house at Kandanad on the suburbs of Kochi until the news of the rescue came three days after the midsea mishap.
“The injury is purely physical, his mind has solid power," said Tomy, a retired Lieutenant Commander. “Let him recover and prepare for another journey of adventure. We will support him fully.”
Tomy said the family is relieved that the son's health has improved and thanked the rescuers. He plans to fly to Australia if his son is taken there from the French-held Amsterdam Island where he is under primary care after the rescue. The younger son, Aneesh Tomy, is already in Australia to provide emergency assistance that may be required.
“I salute the Indian Navy and other countries that rushed to help him; we are grateful,” Tomy said.
Prayers heard
At Nedumkunnam in Kottayam district, grandma Annamma and other relatives are much relieved now that Abhilash has been saved. Abhilash was born at his maternal home here. Annamma and Abhilash's maternal aunt Celinamma watched the news on television. “All of us were praying for this moment,” they said.
Annamma was told about the sailor's accident during the global race, but wasn't briefed on details. But she got deeply worried as his photos appeared in the newspaper repeatedly. Tomy and Valsamma had called her to hold prayers.
Rescue vessel
The French ship that saved the Indian contestant is named 'Osiris'. According to Egyptian faith, Osiris is the god of life, of rebirth and of life after death. The fishing ship was owned by Seychelles but was seized by the French Navy in 2003 and converted to a vessel to monitor fishing operations.
