Indian Seafarer Dies in Oman: Family Seeks Repatriation and Justice

An Indian seafarer, 35-year-old Nishanth Uirthanathan from Tamil Nadu, tragically passed away on June 11 aboard the vessel MT Celestial while it was docked at Duqm Port in Oman. His death has sparked a fervent appeal from his family and widespread concern among seafarer unions, who are demanding urgent repatriation of his mortal remains and a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Uirthanathan reportedly died due to medical complications, but his family and the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) allege that a lack of timely medical support and delayed evacuation contributed significantly to the tragedy. His wife, Sarabin, in an emotional appeal to news agency ANI, expressed profound grief and frustration, stating that the family had not received any official communication from the shipping company regarding her husband's death. She urged the Government of India to intervene, requesting the swift return of his body and demanding 'justice' for what she believes was a preventable loss. The situation onboard the MT Celestial following Uirthanathan's death has been described as 'horrifying and health-risking' by the FSUI. With no proper refrigeration facilities available on the vessel, the crew was forced to use cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow the decomposition of Uirthanathan's body, which remained onboard for over two days. This improvised method of preservation was highlighted in a video shared by the FSUI, drawing public and media attention to the dire conditions and the alleged negligence. Uirthanathan's father further corroborated the family's claims, alleging that they were initially only informed of his son's deteriorating health, not his death, and that the shipping company subsequently ceased communication. He stated that requests for emergency medical evacuation were reportedly ignored as his son's condition worsened on June 8. The vessel's management company, Romana Ship Management, however, has reportedly countered these claims, suggesting that the crew had refused to follow orders to proceed to Shinas port, implying a disagreement over the vessel's route. The Indian Embassy in Muscat has acknowledged Uirthanathan's death and confirmed that he passed away due to medical complications aboard the MT Celestial at Duqm Port. The Embassy has assured that it is in continuous contact with the ship's management company and other relevant stakeholders, coordinating closely to expedite the repatriation of his mortal remains to India. The vessel has since berthed at Duqm Port, and Omani authorities are expected to complete the necessary procedures for disembarkation. The incident has also garnered political attention in India, with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, calling for the immediate return of the seafarer's mortal remains and criticizing the government's handling of the matter. This unfortunate event comes amidst heightened regional tensions in the Gulf of Oman, with other recent incidents involving Indian seafarers, including the death of three Indian mariners in a US strike on a different vessel (MT Settebello) and the rescue of 14 Indian crew members from MSV Virat 1. While the circumstances are distinct, these incidents collectively underscore the risks and challenges faced by Indian seafarers in the region and highlight broader concerns about maritime safety and welfare. The FSUI has consistently appealed to Indian authorities for urgent intervention to ensure proper body preservation and repatriation, as well as a full investigation into the alleged response failures. The union emphasized that delays in assistance and the failure to arrange for the mortal remains demonstrate a clear lack of accountability, also raising questions for Omani authorities. The family's plea for a 'permanent career opportunity' for Sarabin, given her responsibility for their eight-month-old baby and three-year-old daughter, adds a human interest dimension to the tragedy, underscoring the severe impact on dependents. As of June 14, 2026, the Indian Embassy continues to engage with all parties to ensure the earliest possible repatriation of Nishanth Uirthanathan's body, while the calls for justice and accountability resonate deeply within India's maritime community and beyond.

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