Indian seafarer dies aboard tanker off Oman; union alleges delayed evacuation and poor body refrigeration

Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Indian seafarer from Thoothukudi, died aboard the MT Celestial Sea after days of illness and delayed medical assistance. His death has raised serious concerns about maritime safety, crew welfare, emergency response systems and the conditions faced by seafarers operating in high-risk waters.

The union released a video that it claimed showed the officer's body covered in plastic sheets. Crew members had wrapped the body to help preserve it while awaiting assistance.

A grieving family is desperately seeking the repatriation of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan's body from Oman and a thorough investigation into his death aboard MT Celestial. They allege a severe lack of communication from the shipping company and inadequate medical care. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating efforts for the body's return.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat on Sunday said it is actively coordinating with Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company to facilitate the early repatriation of the mortal remains of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan, whose death aboard the MT Celestial had triggered concern and appeals for intervention.The Embassy remains in active coordination with local Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company regarding Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan, who unfortunately died onboard MT Celestial due to medical conditions. The vessel is expected to berth soon at Duqm port.…— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) June 14, 2026 In an update posted on X, the embassy said the 35-year-old Second Officer died due to medical conditions and that the vessel is expected to berth soon at Duqm Port. It added that necessary arrangements have been made for the prompt recovery of his mortal remains and that the mission is in touch with the bereaved family while assisting with all formalities for the earliest repatriation to India.The embassy had earlier stated that it had been in continuous contact with the ship management company and other stakeholders following the incident.The clarification came after the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) alleged that Nishanth, a native of Tamil Nadu, died after falling seriously ill on June 11 and that delays in medical evacuation may have contributed to the tragedy. The union also claimed that his body had remained onboard without proper refrigeration, forcing crew members to use cold water bottles in an attempt to slow decomposition.Video: Indian Seafarer Dies Off Oman Coast; Crew Uses Water Bottles To Preserve Body, Alleges NegligenceIn a video shared by the FSUI, the captain of the MT Celestial appealed for urgent assistance to repatriate the body and alleged that the shipowner had failed to provide adequate support. The union further accused the shipowner of negligence and questioned the handling of the medical emergency, alleging that a low-cost medical visa or evacuation could have saved the officer’s life.The allegations made by the FSUI and the vessel’s captain have not been independently verified, and no public response from the shipowner was immediately available.Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre over the incident, urging the government to bring the deceased Indian home without delay.

The death comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US strike on a tanker off Oman, triggering criticism from the public and opposition parties.

Crew members alleged that the man’s body remained on board for two days without proper refrigeration, and they used water bottles to slow down decomposition.