--- title: "Kochi youth missing from Japanese ship; kin seek govt help" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kochii-youth-missing-ship-kin-seek-help-rwdsd publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Society published: 2026-08-15T11:32:24.903Z modified: 2026-08-15T13:30:07.611Z language: en-IN --- # Kochi youth missing from Japanese ship; kin seek govt help A Kochi-based trainee deck officer is reported missing from a Japan-flagged vessel. His family has requested government intervention as the ship searches and authorities consider next steps. ## Key takeaways - A Kochi native, Shinton Benny, is missing from the Japan-flagged Victorious Ace while it was en route from South Africa to Singapore. - Benny had been onboard for five months and was nearing the end of a six-month training period. - The family has filed a police complaint and written to local and national leaders seeking intervention; the Ernakulam MP pledged to involve DG Shipping, MEA, and Defence Ministry. ## What Happened A Kochi-based youth, Shinton Benny, who was a deck officer trainee aboard the Japan-flagged car and truck carrier Victorious Ace, has reportedly gone missing. The family says the ship’s latest communication indicated Benny has been missing since the previous Wednesday. The vessel was en route from South Africa to Singapore and is expected to reach Singapore on the following day. The family filed a police complaint with the Njarackal police and has written to local and national leaders seeking help in tracing him. The ship’s offices in Mumbai reportedly told the family that the vessel had temporarily moved away to conduct a search, and that it had originally been scheduled to reach Singapore on Friday, with landfall now anticipated on Sunday. Benny’s elder brother noted Benny had been onboard for five months and was due to complete a six-month training period next month. He last contacted the family on Tuesday night before the disappearance was reported on Wednesday. The family has learned there may be two other Kerala natives on board, though they have been unable to contact them. The Ernakulam MP visited the family and promised to raise the matter with the DG Shipping, MEA, and Defence Ministry, indicating ongoing attempts to involve government authorities. ## Why It Matters Family representatives have sought government intervention to intensify the search and coordinate with shipping authorities. An elected representative said he would raise the issue with relevant ministries and the DG Shipping, signaling potential increased official attention to locate Benny and establish the circumstances of the disappearance. ## Background Benny is described as a deck officer trainee who joined Victorious Ace five months ago and was set to complete his six-month training next month. The ship is owned and operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a Japan-based company. The vessel was traveling from South Africa toward Singapore, with an expected Singapore arrival originally scheduled for Friday; the latest information indicated arrival on Sunday as searches continued. ## Key Facts - Shinton Benny, a Kochi native from Manattuparambu near Njarackal, is a deck officer trainee onboard Victorious Ace. - The vessel is a car and truck carrier owned and operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a Japanese company. - Benny has been onboard for five months and was to complete his six-month training next month. - He reportedly went missing on a Wednesday; the ship was traveling from South Africa to Singapore and was expected to arrive in Singapore on Sunday. - The family filed a complaint with the Njarackal police and has written to the Kerala Chief Minister, a Union Minister of State, and the Ernakulam MP seeking government help. - The ship reportedly told Benny’s family that it paused searches to focus on a broader search effort and that Singapore arrival timing shifted from Friday to Sunday. - The Ernakulam MP pledged to take up the matter with DG Shipping, MEA, and the Defence Ministry. ## What Happens Next Official channels indicate continued search efforts by the vessel and potential further involvement by Indian government authorities as requested by Benny’s family and their representatives. No new public statements from the shipping company are cited in the material available. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kochii-youth-missing-ship-kin-seek-help-rwdsd Reported from: Multiple Sources