• Source:JND

A 35-year-old Indian seafarer’s death aboard a ship docked at Duqm Port in Oman has triggered sharp criticism from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), which has accused the vessel’s operators of negligence and delayed medical response.

The deceased, identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan, was serving on the shadow tanker MT Celestial when he reportedly fell seriously ill and died on June 11. The union alleged that proper medical evacuation was not arranged in time, and the situation onboard deteriorated due to a lack of support.

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Allegations of Negligence Raised

In a post on X, FSUI claimed that the crew was forced to use makeshift methods to preserve the body due to the absence of proper facilities. 

“Crew is using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to avoid a horrifying and health-risking situation,” the FSUI wrote in a post on X, adding that timely medical evacuation was ‘delayed amid regional tensions.’

The union further demanded accountability, stating that the incident reflected serious lapses in emergency response and shipboard medical support.

“FSUI and the captain are urgently demanding body preservation/repatriation, crew support, and a full investigation into the response failures,” it said.

In another post, the union alleged that delays in assistance and failure to handle the mortal remains properly raised questions about the authorities involved, including Omani agencies.

“Delays in help & failure to arrange mortal remains show clear intent. Questions also for Omani authorities,” the union wrote while calling for a detailed investigation.

Embassy Confirms Death

Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that the 35-year-old seafarer has passed away, adding that the death of seafarer occurred due to medical issues, when the MT Celestial vessel was berthed at Duqm Port.

It is also being done for the repatriation of mortal remains to India, stated the officials.

“Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India,” the embassy said in a post on social media.

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Indian Seafarer Workforce

As per government data, India has over 3,00,000 seafarers serving on ships worldwide and over 18,000 seafarers serving on ships that visit Middle East ports annually, the shipping ministry official added.

The incident happened at a time when there were other such reported cases of maritime issues faced by Indian sailors in the Middle East region, and this has attracted the attention of unionists and other leaders asking for the protection of seafarers outside India.


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