A successful 21-
Engineering cadet Andrew Macleod, of Newmarket near Stornoway, died suddenly on the
UK-
Mr Macleod was training as a cadet on the British registered vessels with the global Evergreen Line.
He sailed on the same giant container ship last summer. He was discovered dead in his cabin by a crew member at 9am Hong Kong time when it was 2am in the UK.
He was on his last trip at sea and was expected to qualify with flying colours. Mr Macleod was getting in his sea time before starting his final phase in Glasgow Nautical College in January. He was due to sit his final exams next July.
His parents Murdo, a safety officer with Western Isles Council and Dolina Macleod, a school’s catering manger in Stornoway, were believed to have been off the island when they received the news. They are expected to fly out to the ship by Monday.
Iain Spreadborough, managing director of training agency Safe Ship Training Group (SSTG) said Andrew’s death was a huge shock.
Mr Spreadborough said: “Everyone at SSTG is extremely saddened by the news and our sympathies are with his family.
“We understand the company (Evergreen) is making arrangements for the family to fly out to China over the weekend.At this stage we have no idea of the cause of death.”
Mr Spreadborough highlighted Andrew was heading for a successful career at sea and consistently achieved high standards during his training. There was little doubt he would qualify as a ship’s engineer.
One of numerous friends who posted tributes on Facebook said: “Absolute gem of a guy Andrew, always went that extra mile to help people. My thoughts are with your family. Gone but will never be forgotten.”
A former school pal said: “He touched the hearts of us all with his beautiful personality and big smile that lit up the room. He had nothing but goodness to say about everyone, which not many of us can say for ourselves.
She added: “Thank you for being a true friend and for being a part of my life since our first day in Primary in our purple jumpers. So many memories which will stay with me forever. I hope one day we could all be as great as you. Goodnight for now, I hope we meet again some day. Always in my heart.”
Another wrote: “You really were a gentle giant Andrew, always a smile on your face. It was a pleasure knowing such a great, great man. You will never be forgotten.”
A Lewis friend said: “Easily one of the nicest people I've ever known. The kindness you showed everyone will never be forgotten. Such a true gent. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
Another message said: “One of the good guys. Would always stop and talk, a true gent. My thoughts are with all your family and close friends at this hard time. Gone but not forgotten.”
Mr Macleod went to the Nicolson Institute secondary school on Lewis and went on to complete an engineering course at the Lews Castle College in Stornoway in 2009.
The MV Ever Sigma is a 300 metre long container ship which covers a shuttle route between China and Europe. The boat has a deadweight of 78,693 tonnes and is presently sailing along Asian ports on the Pacific Ocean. She had departed Taipei on Wednesday and docked in Hong Kong harbour on Thursday
Young island seaman found dead in Hong Kong 21/10/11