Topic: Brit goes missing on Balmoral

Passengers disembarking Fred. Olsen's Balmoral last week were questioned by police over the disappearance of a male passenger - it is believed he took his own life by throwing himself overboard.



The man, described by passengers as a "pleasant elderly British gentleman', had been travelling alone. He was last seen at dinner after the Fred. Olsen ship left Stavanger. His stewardess found a note in his cabin the following morning.

A spokesperson for the line said the company was cooperating fully with Coastguard and police.

How sad. I suppose some people choose this method of suicide because, once in the sea (if you're not spotted) there's no going back ...

Such a sad story, and you have to feel for the people he has left behind..Carol

At least he left a note. It must be even worse for the family when they remain not really knowing what happened.

yes how sad. you just wonder what goes on in someones head before to make them do something like this. my thoughts are with his family.

It is sad that anybody feels it necessary to end their life,especially as there are so many who die as a result of accident or illness and would wish to live. Whatever the circumstances I really feel for those left behind; who in many cases had no idea of the mental state of the person concerned. Quite often relatives and others blame themselves for what has happened. When you think of it, suicide is quite a selfish action, as the aggravation it causes others (such as other passengers and crew) and those left to deal with the aftermath, has not been considered by the person involved or they have thought of it and dismissed it as unimportant.

Terry Upminster

Who knows what this poor man must have been going through, he must have been very desperate and indeed our thoughts shouldgo out to his family and friends

James

QUOTE:

It is sad that anybody feels it necessary to end their life,especially as there are so many who die as a result of accident or illness and would wish to live. Whatever the circumstances I really feel for those left behind; who in many cases had no idea of the mental state of the person concerned. Quite often relatives and others blame themselves for what has happened. When you think of it, suicide is quite a selfish action, as the aggravation it causes others (such as other passengers and crew) and those left to deal with the aftermath, has not been considered by the person involved or they have thought of it and dismissed it as unimportant.



Terry Upminster

What this man did was a truly personal decision and as such should not be evaluated by people who think they can psychoanalize a strangers footsteps through the mine field of life.

This poor man must have been in a very desperate state!
But at least he left a note for his family.
Yes, it is a selfish act but soe poor people just cannot accept what life has thrown at them and feel this is the only answer.
We must have the upmost sympathy for the family as they now have no body to place at rest or a place to visit to grieve!

QUOTE:

What this man did was a truly personal decision and as such should not be evaluated by people who think they can psychoanalize a strangers footsteps through the mine field of life.

I agree & also everyone is assuming he had a Family, he might not have.

Many elderly people are completely alone.