A 35-year-old Indian sailor died on board a vessel off the coast of Oman, raising fresh concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict-affected waters. Nishanth Uirthanathan, an Indian national, succumbed to medical complications aboard the MT Celestial while the vessel was docked at Duqm Port, according to the Indian Embassy in Muscat.
Embassy Response and Repatriation Efforts
The Indian Embassy confirmed that efforts are underway to repatriate his remains and that it remains in close contact with his family and Omani authorities. The embassy stated that it is providing all necessary assistance to ensure the dignified return of the body.
Allegations of Improper Handling
The incident sparked controversy after the Forward Seamen's Union of India alleged that the sailor's body remained onboard for more than two days without proper refrigeration. Crew members reportedly used cold water bottles to slow decomposition. The union has demanded an investigation into the handling of the emergency, citing potential negligence.
Context of Regional Tensions
This death comes days after U.S. strikes hit Indian-crewed vessels in the Gulf, including the MT Settebello attack that killed three Indian sailors. Those incidents prompted strong diplomatic protests from New Delhi and renewed scrutiny of maritime security in the region. The U.S. has shown no remorse for the attacks, further straining relations.
The safety of Indian seafarers in the region remains a pressing concern, with calls for enhanced protective measures and diplomatic engagement to prevent future tragedies.
