Gulf Daily News- Bahrain
Bahrain, April 1: A YOUNG Indian couple were killed in the dhow disaster, just two months after celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Arby Mathew, aged 29 and wife Sinu, 22, were having dinner on board the ill-fated ferry when it capsized off the coast of Bahrain. Their bodies were later recovered and friends identified their photographs at the Criminal Investigation Directorate.
Mathew, an electrical engineer, was a construction superintendent with J A Zayani's Otis division, which is a sub-contractor for Nass, Murray & Roberts for installing elevators.
His wife, a computer engineer, joined him in Bahrain nine months ago and was an instructor with an information technology institute.
Mr Mathew was from Mulanthuruthy and Sinu from Karakkunnam, both in Kerala. Both were members of St Peter's Jacobite Syrian Church in Salmaniya.
Vicar Father Rijo Kochukunnel described them as an ideal couple who were loved by everyone.
"Both of them acted in a play staged by the church in December and their talent was appreciated by one and all," he told the GDN.
"Before joining the dinner cruise on Thursday night, they called their family in Kerala and informed about it.
"Their parents who later knew about the boat tragedy from television channels called us and confirmed the bad news. They are totally shattered."
Both Arby and Sinu lived an extraordinary life, said Father Kochukunnel.
"They visited Mathew's brother Eby in Kuwait in January to celebrate their first wedding anniversary," he added.
Eby was scheduled to arrive in Bahrain last night to discuss the funeral arrangements with friends here.
Memorial prayers for the couple were held at the St Peter's Church last night.