The mortal remains of Akhil Joyan, a marine crew member who was killed in a Russian attack on a vessel in Ukrainian waters, will be brought home on August 24, according to an official communication received by the Kannur District Collector from the Indian Embassy in Kyiv and NORKA.
The body will be transported by road from Ukraine to Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, and from there flown to Mangaluru via Istanbul by Turkish Airlines. The remains are scheduled to reach Bengaluru on August 23. They will then be transported by ambulance to Akhil’s home at Vellarikundu in Kasaragod on August 24.
The repatriation was initiated following efforts by Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan, who had met the Minister for External Affairs and sought immediate steps to bring Akhil’s body back to India. Subsequently, the Ministry contacted the Indian Embassy in Ukraine and initiated arrangements for the repatriation.
District Collector Arjun Pandian visited the family and assured that the district administration would coordinate the necessary procedures for bringing the mortal remains home.
People’s representatives, including district panchayat president Sabu Abraham, visited Akhil’s family. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob also visited the family.
Published – August 20, 2026 08:58 pm IST
