Dear colleagues,
I am deeply saddened to share with you that Captain Pablito Abunyawan has passed away due to complications from the Covid-19 virus. He was diagnosed with the virus on June 7 and was admitted to hospital on June 10 for treatment of serious symptoms. He was reported to slowly improve from mid-June, but sadly his symptoms critically worsened in the afternoon on July 6, and he passed away on Wednesday July 7 at 08:00 local time. He was 67 years old.
Pablito Abunyawan joined Odfjell in 1991 as Chief Mate on Bow Apollo. In 1995, he was promoted to Master Mariner where he, as always, demonstrated admirable leadership and professionalism. He retired after 27 years in service in 2018, but returned on board in December 2020. He showed high dedication and commitment to his responsibilities on board, and was a most trusted seafarer and Captain throughout his career. Captain Abunyawan will be deeply missed by his crew on board and colleagues in Odfjell.
Captain Abunyawan arrived at the ASRY shipyard together with his crew on Bow Lind on May 7 for the planned drydock. We have had Covid-19 cases in our organization before, but none of the magnitude that we have experienced in Bahrain. We have now lost two dear colleagues within the scope of weeks. It is sad beyond words, and affects us deeply, as colleagues and friends, as a team and as a company.
Our first and most important priority now is to secure that Abunyawan’s family is cared for. The Covid-19 team works together with the Crewing Department to ensure that all matters are handled in the best way and that his family and the crew on Bow Lind are closely supported in this trying time.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Abunyawan’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Yours sincerely,
Kristian Mørch
