The body of 46-year-old Panvel sailor, William Thomas was found by the Japanese coast guard on Saturday, a day after the bulk carrier he was working on ran aground and broke apart in stormy weather outside Kashima port, 100 km from Tokyo.
Family of Thomas was informed of his death late on Saturday night and is awaiting the arrival of his body for burial.
The grief-stricken family had earlier had some hope, as William, who had worked in merchant navy for 22 years, was last seen wearing a life-jacket during ship’s evacuation. William’s wife is principal of the reputed Ryan International School, Nerul.
Frantic search-and-rescue operations continued for eight other Indian sailors, including Brazin Diaz of Borivli, who remained missing after the carrier ‘Giant Step’ sank.