Indian seafarer dies of illness near Oman coast, union alleges delay in medical evacuation

An Indian seafarer serving aboard the merchant vessel MT Celestial died due to a “medical condition” at Duqm Port in Oman, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said on Saturday.

The embassy said that arrangements are being made to repatriate his remains to India.

“The Embassy has been in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating closely with all concerned stakeholders,” the statement added.

An Indian national Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan passed away due to medical complications. His mortal remains are currently 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…— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) June 13, 2026

The seafarer who died has been identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old second officer from Tamil Nadu, The Indian Express reported.

He died on Thursday evening due to medical complications while the vessel was at Duqm Port.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India alleged that Uirthanathan died “due to lack of timely medical support”.

In a separate post, the union on Saturday said his “body has remained onboard for over two days with no proper refrigeration”.

“Crew is using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow decomposition – a horrifying and health-risking situation,” the crew said in a video posted by the Union. “Despite repeated distress...

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