Prestwick man lost at sea in Lebanon

Feb 5 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE distraught family of a man feared drowned at sea have spoken of their heartache.

Engineer Alan Atkinson, from Prestwick, was on a cargo ship which capsized off Lebanon before Christmas.

His body has yet to be recovered.

Parents Rebecca and Fergus are battling for information as they bid to lay their son to rest.

But they say authorities have kept them in the dark since the tragedy on December 17.

Fergus, 85, revealed: “Figures on the dead and those still missing seem to change with each report.

“We just want to know what happened to Alan.

“But it’s been very difficult to find out any information and we seem to be sat waiting for a phone call.”

Alan, 50, was one of two Brits on board the Danny F II which overturned during a severe storm.

The ship was heading from Uruguay to the Syrian port of Tartous when it hit trouble.

On board were 82 people, 10,224 sheep and 17,932 cattle.

Fergus added: “We were told they found 20 survivors, but Alan wasn’t among them.

“When bodies were recovered, they were barely recognisable.

“Alan is a twin, so apparently they could use the DNA link to help identify him.

“But there was even a problem getting that done – it’s just been so difficult for all of us.”

And dad, Fergus, who also lives in Prestwick, added: “The ship’s captain was from Campbeltown and his body was recovered after the accident.

“So his family have been able to bring him home for a burial.

“We’re just hoping Alan’s body can be found. Not knowing is the worst part of the whole experience.”