An Indian national died from medical complications aboard the vessel MT Celestial while it was docked at Duqm Port in Oman, the Indian embassy in Muscat confirmed late Saturday. The embassy stated that necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India.
Background on Indian Seafarers
According to government data, India has more than 300,000 seafarers working across global shipping fleets. An official from the country's shipping ministry said last week that over 18,000 Indian seafarers are employed in the Middle East.
The embassy expressed that it remains in close contact with the family members of the deceased, identified as Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan, as well as crew members of the vessel and concerned authorities. Efforts are underway to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation.
Recent Incidents Involving Indian Seafarers
This death comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US strike on a tanker off Oman, which triggered criticism from the public and opposition parties. Opposition parties have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit later this week.
On Friday, India took the rare step of lodging a second protest with the US over a strike that occurred more than three months into the US-Israeli war on Iran. India's foreign ministry summoned the US chargé d'affaires to convey its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping.
Conditions Aboard the Tanker
The Forward Seamen's Union of India reported on Saturday that the body of 35-year-old Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died on June 11, remained onboard for more than two days without proper refrigeration. The union stated, via social media, that crew members are using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow decomposition, describing it as a horrifying and health-risking situation. The union shared a video purportedly from the tanker.
