Indian Sailor Dies Off Oman, Crew Uses Cold Water Bottles To Preserve Body; Union Seeks Urgent Help

Published 14 June 2026 · india

Indian Sailor Dies Off Oman, Crew Uses Cold Water Bottles To Preserve Body; Union Seeks Urgent Help Published By, Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 16:57

Indian Sailor Dies Off Oman, Crew Uses Cold Water Bottles To Preserve Body; Union Seeks Urgent Help Published By, Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 16:57 IST An Indian national died due to medical complications aboard a vessel currently docked at Duqm Port in Oman. Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Second Officer from Tamil Nadu, fell seriously ill while onboard the vessel and died on June 11. A day after issuing an urgent appeal for assistance, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), a body representing Indian seafarers globally, on Sunday said that no vessel or rescue boat had arrived to retrieve the mortal remains of an Indian sailor who died due to illness aboard a vessel off the coast of Oman. In a fresh update posted on social media platform X, the union expressed concern over the continued presence of the deceased sailor’s body onboard MT Celestial, despite official assurances that efforts were underway to repatriate the mortal remains. “Hrs after @Indemb_Muscat No boat has been arrived till now. Communicating the family is one side but taking out the mortal of late Brother Nishant from MT Celestial must on priority," the FSUI wrote. Hrs after @Indemb_MuscatNo boat has been arrived till now. Communicating the family is one side but taking out the mortal of late Brother Nishant from MT Celestial must on priority.

@dgshipping_IN @MEAIndia @OMAN_MSC #MTCelestial FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 14, 2026 The latest update by the union came shortly after the Indian Embassy in Oman said that efforts are underway to ensure the earliest possible disembarkation and repatriation of his mortal remains. “The Embassy remains in close touch with family members of the Indian national Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan who unfortunately lost his life due to medical conditions, crew members of the vessel and concerned authorities," the embassy shared on X earlier. A day ago, the embassy had acknowledged the sailor’s death and said it was coordinating with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the early repatriation of his mortal remains. Embassy Says Repatriation Efforts Underway On Saturday, the embassy said that an Indian national, Nishanth Uirthanathan, 35, had passed away due to medical complications and that his mortal remains were onboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port. “The Embassy has been in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating closely with all concerned stakeholders. Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time," the embassy said in a statement shared on X. The embassy’s response came after the incident gained attention on social media following appeals by the seafarers’ union and fellow crew members.