“He wouldn’t just disappear,” cries Abi Claudette Ebe, wife of Michael Fotabong, who vanished while working as an offshore worker on a vessel operated by Smit Lamnalco. Mr. Fotabong, a resident of Buea, left home on February 4th to work for the company through Jess Assistant, an agent, and was reportedly received by Mr. David Nanje Otte.
According to the family’s account, Mr. Fotabong’s last words were spoken to his wife on Sunday night, February 4th, around 10:45 PM. But on Monday morning, February 5th, at around 10:50 AM, Mr. Nanje Otte delivered devastating news: “Your husband, Michael Fotabong, can’t be found in the boat.”
“The boat didn’t sink; there were no waves,” Claudette pleads, her voice trembling. “He was a strong swimmer! If he had fallen, he would have swum back. But someone… they did something.”
The family’s concerns deepen with each inconsistency they uncover. “They lied at first,” alleges another family member. “Mr. Nanje Otte said Michael fell overboard. But why haven’t they shown us the CCTV footage? They have cameras on the boat; they admitted it!”
Their pursuit of answers has led to a labyrinth of frustration.
The family’s attempts to obtain answers have been met with further frustration. They allege that the company lied to the police about Mr. Fotabong’s disappearance and obstructed search efforts. They also claim that when they approached the company for answers, they were met with threats and intimidation, with attempts made to detain them by armed security personnel.
“The company lied to the police!” exclaims Agnes. “They said they weren’t sure where he disappeared! And when we went there, they tried to silence us! They sent armed guards to lock us up!”
With no clear explanation and facing alleged obstruction, the family cries for justice. “We need a real investigation,” demands another family member. “We need the truth! Show us the footage! Let someone tell us what happened to Michael!”
With no clear explanation for Mr. Fotabong’s disappearance and facing alleged obstruction from the company, the family is pleading for justice. They are demanding a thorough investigation, transparency from Smit Lamnalco, and the release of any CCTV footage that might shed light on what happened to their loved one.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the offshore industry. The family’s allegations, if true, raise serious concerns about potential safety lapses and a lack of cooperation from the company involved. It is crucial that authorities conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that all relevant information is made available to ensure justice for Mr. Fotabong and his family.
Smit Lamnalco has yet to respond to the family’s allegations and did not respond to calls from Mimi Mefo Info (MMI). This article does not claim to know the absolute truth but rather aims to amplify the family’s voice and the questions they raise. The offshore industry must prioritise transparency and accountability, and this case underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation and the release of any information that might bring solace to a grieving family and ensure justice for Michael Fotabong, the missing offshore worker.
Updates: The wife of Michael Fotabong told MMI that his body was eventually found and buried. “His body was found, and we eventually buried him. It’s a bitter pill to swallow; i wouldn’t want to comment further on this,” Claudette told MMI. It remains unclear whether Fotabong was the victim of an accident or whether he was killed.
