The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has urgently called for assistance after an officer on a vessel off the Oman coast passed away two days ago. The union body demanded help, repatriation, and action for the deceased Second Officer on the MT Celestial.
Details of the Incident
35-year-old Second Officer Nishanth Uirthanathan from Tamil Nadu died on June 11 after falling seriously ill. His body has remained onboard for over two days with no proper refrigeration. Crew members are using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow decomposition, a situation the union described as horrifying and a health risk.
In a post on X, FSUI shared a video showing the officer's body wrapped in an attempt at preservation. The union alleged that medical help to the officer was delayed due to regional tensions, and now his body is still being kept onboard without proper preservation.
"Despite repeated distress calls, timely medical evacuation was reportedly delayed amid regional tensions. FSUI and the captain are urgently demanding body preservation, repatriation, crew support, and a full investigation into the response failures," the union added, offering condolences to his family and calling on authorities to act immediately.
Broader Context of Regional Tensions
Regional tensions have caused issues for multiple vessels and even led to the death of three Indian sailors. The US military had said the vessels were targeted for allegedly transporting Iranian oil in violation of a US naval blockade imposed on Tehran.
India has twice summoned the US Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the attacks, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The controversy escalated further after US President Donald Trump accused Iran of carrying out a drone attack on Indian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, calling the alleged strike "totally unacceptable." Tehran rejected the allegation, with the Iranian Embassy in India describing it as "baseless" and accusing Washington of attempting to divert attention from the US attacks on Indian-crewed ships that resulted in the deaths of Indian sailors.
Union's Call to Action
FSUI continues to press for immediate action, emphasizing the need for proper body preservation, repatriation of the deceased officer, support for the crew, and a thorough investigation into the delayed response. The union's plea highlights the ongoing risks faced by seafarers in conflict-affected regions.
