Ashwath’s story is filled with many twists. Just imagine, how would you feel if you found out that blood is coming from your ears while sailing, or if you encountered a situation where you were declared medically unfit, especially considering this was your first ship? It takes a lot of courage to bounce back. Let’s read the story in Ashwath’s own words.
My dream was as common as any other marine engineer. To graduate from college and to embark on a ship, for a new journey of my life. When that moment came, me and my family were so happy. I remember while boarding my flight for the Bahamas to join my first ship, many positive thoughts about future, along with first-time nerves, came to my mind. Overall, It was the payback time for all the hard work I had put into completing my education and for all the hard-earned money my parents had invested in it.
But unfortunately, destiny had written something else for me.
Just after 10 to 11 days, I started feeling pain in my right ear. It became a bit scary when someone noticed that blood was coming out of it. Nevertheless, my seniors convinced me that it might be due to the long flight and change in surroundings. However, this was not a temporary issue. It happened repeatedly, and there came a point when blood was coming out of both ears. It was very difficult for me to understand that situation as it had never happened to me before. Finally, arrangements were made to visit a hospital in the U.S. to get proper medical assistance. But, unfortunately, no conclusion was reached, and I had to sign off from the vessel to return to India for complete checkup. I returned with sadness.
That was a time when my family and I were incredibly nervous. We all prayed for the same thing: that I would get through all the tests without any abnormalities. God heard us, and the doctor did not find a reason to prevent me from returning to the vessel. The company also supported me and sent me back to the ship.
We all thought that now everything would be fine. But again, destiny had something else in mind. Life is a tricky thing; it can play unexpected tricks at any moment. One way or another, it gets you if it has to.
Just after 2 months of joining back on ship, while taking soundings on the lowest Engine room floor, I started feeling dizzy. I put all energy to reach the Engine control room and took some time there to stabilize while I was lying down. The 4th Engineer was already there and he knew my previous medical history. Considering what had happened in the past, and desperate to complete my sea time, we both decided not to share this incident with anyone else. But I was unaware that the worst was yet to come.
Just a few days later, we were doing a main engine unit overhaul. Everything was done, and I was given the task to close the crankcase doors and tighten the nuts. I still remember closing two doors, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in the ECR. It was quite terrifying for me. The entire engine room staff was around me. Now, everyone was aware of my old history and also what had happened a few days back. Prioritizing safety, the Chief Engineer had no choice but to inform the company for my sign-off due to medical reasons. And I, with a heart as heavy as stone, had to disembark from my dream.
The doctors declared me unfit for sailing. My dream shattered. Not just mine, but for my parents also. I went into depression for few months. It was the lowest point of my life.
But life never stops; after a little while, I understood. If I can’t sail, I’ll have to do something else. I tried hard to get a shore job. It took some time to get back on the track, but finally, it happened. From a financial aspect, perhaps what I should have received early will come a bit late, but it will surely come.
I realized that there’s no point in continually regretting past events… the essence of life is to move forward… situations will keep changing, but you should continue.
Finally, Ashwath found a good job as a PMS Engineer. He even bought a house last year (2022). His family is very proud of him.
Now, Ashwath is looking forward. Irrespective of ongoing challenges, he is focusing on what he can learn next to do even better in his job. His story tells us that even when life closes one door, we can find new ones if we keep trying and don’t give up.