Cash raised for family of Eritrean who died in sea rescue

Over €8,000 in cash collected by the Jesuit Refugee Service will be donated to the family of Eritrean Ashih Tekleab Haile, who died during a rescue in rough seas at Paradise Bay last month.

The 32-year-old refugee, who arrived in Malta in October 2009, drowned at Paradise Bay on July 20 after a work colleague – a 23-year-old French pool boy – found himself in trouble while swimming.

The Emigrants’ Commission had raised €6,673 for the repatriation of Mr Tekleab Haile’s body, which cost €4,690. The remainder will be given to the widow.

“On my own behalf and of my husband’s family in Eritrea, I would like to thank all those who visited me and sought to comfort me in this very sad and trying moment,” his widow, Selemawit Hagus, said. “Although it will be very difficult to think of a future without my husband, I am infinitely grateful to all who expressed solidarity and encouragement,” she added.

Ms Hagus thanked all those who left comments online, even on the social network site Facebook, the owner and staff of Paradise Bay Hotel, the civil authorities and the Emigrants’ Commission.