Funeral service for young island seaman 4/11/11
The funeral of young island seaman who died suddenly on board a ship in Hong Hong takes place tomorrow (Sat).
Engineering cadet Andrew Macleod, of Benside, Newmarket near Stornoway, was found
dead in his cabin on the UK-
Mr Macleod was in his own cabin, though to be still in a chair with headphones on and using his laptop, when he was discovered by a crew member who went to give him a call. The ship was berthed at the container terminal at Tsing Yi island, a large commercial port and transport hub in Hong Kong.
He was finishing off his sea time and was expected to fly to Lewis this month for a few weeks leave before starting a six month college phase at Glasgow Nautical College before his final exams in summer.
The funeral service takes place at the Kenneth Street Stornoway Free Church at 11.30am. The funeral lift and procession takes place at 12 noon to Sandwick Cemetery.
Under Hong Hong rules, police carried out their procedures and established there were no suspicious circumstances.
Mr Macleod’s training organisation, the Safe Ship Training Group highlighted Mr Macleod was a talented and very diligent student, had passed all exams so far, with no doubt he would qualify as a deep sea ship’s engineer in July.
Mr Macleod grew up in Benside in Newmarket, some three miles outside Stornoway. He attended Laxdale Primary School and later, the Nicolson Institute secondary school on Lewis.
He was passionate about tinkering with cars and engines as well as sailing around the islands. The keen Runrig fan was also enthusiastic about Skoda cars and took pat in island drag races. He was a member of Lewis Car Club which has postponed Saturday’s autotest as a mark of respect. Mr Macleod completed an HNC in Engineering at the Lews Castle College in Stornoway in 2009 and went on to join the Merchant Navy.
The death of the popular, easygoing youth has shocked the island community with many of his friends posting tributes on Facebook.
Stephen Kettings from Back in Lewis said: “I can't believe it. Knew you all from primary one and I'm so lucky to have known a such a happy and friendly guy like you. I don't think I've ever seen you frown, you always had the ability to see the best in things. Unfair is what I keep thinking. Your poor mum and dad, such lovely people as well. I'll never forget you.”
Matthew Macleod said: “I have no words that can sum up just how shocked and saddened I was to hear the news. Still can't quite believe it, we were always just one or two ports away from each other during the sea phase and I can't really accept that you're gone. I feel massively privileged to have known you; genuinely the nicest, kindest man I have ever had the honour to call my friend. My thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. Rest in Peace Andrew, you will never be forgotten.”
Jillian Mackay wrote: “I'm so proud to say you were my friend from beginning to the end, so gentle and so lovely, your handsome smile will be so sorely missed, we have lost a wonderful young man, rest in peace Andrew.”
Nathan Paterson said: “Rest in Peace my friend. I will always remember you as a loyal and good friend, one who was always there with a positive attitude and a good sense of humour. You will always be remembered for that by many more than just me. I'm going to miss you a lot 'Teddy'. Thanks for the laughter.”
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 was carrying cargo along Asian ports on the Pacific Ocean before heading for the Indian Ocean.