24 hours after recovery, man's family in Vakola learns of his death

Andrew Fernandess death in Miami USA on Sunday came as shock to his family in Vakola who were less than 24 hours ago told that he was improving Andrew 48 was working on board Costa Favolosa cruise ship when he contracted CoronavirusOn Saturday afternoon Andrews wife Maria told midday that she was informed he has started showing signs of improvement My prayers are being heard I am told he will soon be kept on antibiotics and I hope he returns to us soon she had saidHowever early on Sunday morning his health started deteriorating his lungs was severely infected and was put on dialysis a couple of days back Around 2 am the family received a call from Larkin Community Hospital which informed them that Andrew had died His sisters said while Maria is still in shock they havent told the four children that their father is no moreAndrew Fernandes File picThe hospital staff informed us that the doctors tried to check if Andrews lung was able to function with reduced oxygen supply on ventilator so they lowered the level said Rosy his sister But when his lungs could not handle low oxygen inflow they increases the level Andrews condition deteriorated further he was put on dialysis and medications were started but suddenly his heart stopped working They then declared him dead Rosy added The family said they still do not have clarity on the cause of his deathMy brother never had any health issues but he was unwell since March 19 and was treated on the cruise with paracetamol and the COVID19 tests came back negative twice After a few passengers tested positive the company should have let everyone disembark but instead they continued sailing My brother spent 12 precious days in his cabin and when he finally disembarked at Miami coast his oxygen level had started lowering Rosy addedEven as the family was dealing with the shocking news they found out that Andrews employers had no idea about his demiseFamily irked with firmAndrew elder sister Adelaide who has been following up with hospitals and her contacts in Miami said It is unfortunate that the cabin crew welfare officer and Costa Favolosa representative at Miami Port did not know about my brothers demise They didnt even do anything to shift my brother to a better hospital for the advance treatment he urgently neededAdelaide said when she contacted a Costa representative in Mimai he asked how Andrew was I was shocked I told him that my brother had died My brother served the company for 17 years and this is how they treat the family Till now we havent received a single phone call from any of the senior company representative she addedThe cabin crew welfare officer later told her in response to her email that they are doing the needful for repatriating Andrews body and that a person is being appointed to coordinate with the family Adelaide But she suspects they are telling the truth She said her sources in Miami told her that COVID19 patients bodies are being cremated there itselfMeanwhile Costa Favolosa is sailing to an unknown destination said sources on board the cruise ship According to official data so far 195 people have died in Florida including 32 in MiamiBrian Miranda a former corporator from the area told midday My family and I are in deep agony for we have lost our beloved Andrew I dont have the courage to even speak to Maria She is inconsolable and has been praying for a miracle An official at the Ministry of External Affair told midday that the family will have to contact the Consulate General of India in Atlanta USA and only they will be able to clarify if repatriation of Coronavirus deceased is permitted in the present scenarioCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates