Indian Embassy in Oman Fast-Tracks Repatriation of Seafarer Who Died Aboard Vessel  

Mission coordinates with Omani authorities and family as concerns grow over safety of Indian seafarers in regional waters

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM   The Indian Embassy in Muscat is working with Omani authorities, port officials and a shipping company to facilitate the swift repatriation of the mortal remains of an Indian seafarer who died aboard a vessel in Omani waters. The embassy confirmed that Nishanth Uirthanathan died from medical complications while serving on MT Celestial. His body was subsequently disembarked at the Port of Duqm and transferred to a Ministry of Health hospital, where the necessary formalities are being completed before it is returned to India. In a statement, the embassy said it had remained in continuous contact with the ship’s management company and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the earliest possible repatriation. It also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and confirmed that it was coordinating closely with relatives and Omani authorities throughout the process.

• According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, Uirthanathan became seriously ill before his death on 11 June

• The union has called on authorities in both India and Oman to take urgent action regarding the case

• A video circulated by the union allegedly showed the seafarer in a visibly unwell condition aboard the vessel, although its authenticity has not been independently verified

The embassy has not disclosed further details about the medical condition that led to his death. The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. In a related development, India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further notice. The advisory was issued shortly after three Indian seafarers aboard MT Settebello were killed in a reported US military strike off the coast of Oman, highlighting growing risks to commercial shipping in strategically important regional waters. MT Celestial had also drawn international attention in May after US Marines boarded the vessel in the Gulf of Oman during an operation linked to alleged sanctions and blockade violations. The vessel was later released and allowed to continue its voyage after a search.