The widow of a former Merchant Navy worker who died of an asbestos-related disease is trying to trace his former colleagues.

Father-of-two Oslo Schive died aged 74 in December 2011 after developing mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust.

His devastated wife Mary Schive is calling on his former colleagues to come forward as they may have vital evidence about his exposure to the deadly dust.

Mr Schive was born in Cape Town, South Africa, but lived in Dartford most of his adult life. He believes he was exposed to asbestos when he worked as a kitchen assistant after joining the Merchant Navy in 1960.

He worked on board the Carnarvon Castle, a steam ship owned by the Union Castle Line.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell is backing Mrs Schive’s calls. Helen Ashton, a partner and industrial illness expert at their London office said: “Oslo’s family have been devastated by their loss and are appealing to anyone who worked on board the Carnarvon Castle, particularly when it sailed from Southampton to Cape Town between March 1960 and January 1961, as we believe they may have vital information that could help with Mary’s legal claim.”

Mr Schive, who left the navy in 1966, was referred for a chest X-ray at Medway Maritime Hospital in March 2011 after suffering symptoms of breathlessness. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma shortly after and passed away that year.

His widow Mary, 70, said: “When we were told Oslo’s diagnosis we were absolutely devastated.

“He tried to fight the illness but it was too aggressive and there was nothing that could be done for him.

“We just hope that anyone who remembers working with Oslo or worked on board the Carnarvon Castle gets in touch.”

If you have any information, contact Helen Ashton or Nicole Stringfellow at Irwin Mitchell on 0870 1500100 or email helen.ashton@irwinmitchell.com or Nicole.stringfellow@irwinmitchell.com