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We have had a very unfortunate event happen on our ship. One of our students, Andre Ramadan, passed away in his cabin on Saturday evening. Geno and I returned home from our Hanoi/Ha Long Bay trip on Saturday evening to find that the fire doors on our hallway were closed. These doors enclose about 15-20 cabins in different sections throughout the ship in the case of a fire. We didn't think anything of it and opened the fire door and went in our cabin. Several moments later we heard a knock at the door and it was the Living Learning Coordinator (like a RA but not a student). She informed us that 2 hours ago they had found Andre unresponsive in his cabin and they had not been able to help him. We were shocked of course and very sad for his family, friends and our entire shipboard community.
The administrative team called a meeting that night to inform the community about the news. Most of the students had already heard because our community is so small. The students were devastated and it has been a very heavy couple of days.
Today, we had a memorial service for him and his friends shared stories about their time with him and the Archbishop made some very nice remarks. The most beautiful thing was the Traditional Sea Memorial. As we left the auditorium, each person received a flower and processed silently to the aft (rear) of the ship. One by one, as we passed by, we each said a prayer or sent up a good thought and threw our flower into the sea. It was really moving. Now the healing begins. Our classes were rearranged today so that we would have a Reading Day and begin to sort through these emotions.
- comments
Don Routh Nancy, Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you.
Kathy Cueva Oh I am so sorry for all of you, Our prayers are with you. Any updates on Jenna with malaria?
Pam Anderegg You must have been devastated. It's difficult enough when it's expected; doubly difficult when it's not. I'm sure you handled it with dignity and respect. Watch for the aftermath of emotion, it can be unsettling.
Pooja Dosi Hi, I was on the FA08 voyage with SAS when we mourned the loss of Kurt Leswing 2 years ago yesterday. I understand the intense emotion and trial that comes at a time when you you don't have time to stop and really mourn. However, I do remember how amazing, caring, helpful and professional the ship community was in helping us all get through such a hard time. My heart goes out to Andre's friends and family and to everyone on the ship. Take care and please enjoy the rest of your trip, it is still the most amazing thing I have ever done.
Suzanne How awful. Our thoughts are with you all.
Judy Andre was truly amazing. He was extremely intelligent and outgoing. He was a Varsity tennis player in High school. Extremely well mannered and devoted to his family and friends. So many people are hurting right now because he left such a big impression on them. It is so sad, he had so much more to give to the world!!!!!