2009 file photo of the MV Maersk Alabama
Update: Drugs Linked to Maersk Alabama Security Contractor Deaths
Trident Group President Tom Rothrauff confirmed today in a phone call that two of his contractors have “expired” on board one of his client’s ships.
The Virginia-based private maritime security company works closely with US-flag shipping line, Maersk Line, Ltd which this afternoon confirmed the deaths on board their containership, Maersk Alabama.
The bodies of the two contractors, both believed to be former Navy SEALs, were found in a cabin on 18 February while docked at Port Victoria, Seychelles, according to Maersk Line, Limited spokesperson, Kevin Speers. The men had been on board the vessel since 29 January.
The incident has been confirmed by the Seychelles Police, which said that the two male security officers, identified as Jeffrey Reynolds and Mark Kennedy, were found by a colleague at about 4:30 p.m. in Kennedy’s cabin.
Speers notes that the cause of death is unknown at this time and autopsies are currently underway. The families of the deceased have been notified.
Sources have told gCaptain that drugs may have been involved, including the possibility of heroin, although this has yet to be confirmed.
In an emailed statement, Rothrauff notes, “There is no history of any abuse of any type of substance associated with either of the men.”
A statement from Maersk Line said “the cause of the death for both men is part of the ongoing investigation, but it was not related to vessel operations or their duties as security personnel.”
The Maersk Alabama has since been cleared to leave Seychelles and is now underway.
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