Indian national dies of medical conditions aboard 'MT Celestial', embassy confirms repatriation efforts
Muscat, June 14
The Indian Embassy in Oman said on Sunday that it is making efforts for the early repatriation of an Indian national who died due to medical conditions on board 'MT Celestial' at Duqm Port. The deceased Indian national has been identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan.
The Embassy stated that it is in touch with the family members of Uirthanathan, crew members of the vessel and concerned authorities.
In a statement on X, the Indian Embassy in Oman stated, "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. Efforts are underway to facilitate the earliest possible disembarkation and repatriation of his mortal remains."
On Saturday, the Embassy stated that it is in touch with the ship management company and other authorities.
"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 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 Indian Embassy in Oman posted on X.
Earlier this week, three Indian crew members died after an attack was reported on a commercial vessel, 'Settebello', off the coast of Oman.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge India's strong protest against the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman, stressing that Washington's actions are "unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce" in a sensitive region.
"A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives," the MEA said in a statement.
"The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time," it added.
The MEA stated that the US Charge d'Affaires was requested to convey India's strong concerns to US authorities and ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to stop the loss of civilian life.
This marked the second time that the US official was summoned by the MEA in recent days over the attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman. Earlier on Wednesday, India had summoned the US Charge d'Affaires to lodge a "strong protest" over recent attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman, including the commercial ship 'Settebello', where three Indian seafarers were killed.
On Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said that all 20 Indian crew members on board MT Jalveer were rescued with the support of Omani authorities.
During the inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia on Thursday, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal said that all 20 Indian seafarers on board 'MT Jalveer' are safe after the vessel came under attack off the Shinas port in Oman.
On Wednesday, an attack was reported on a commercial vessel, 'Settebello', off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard the vessel, 21 were rescued while three others were killed.
The first incident involved 'MT Marivex' on June 8, when a fire erupted aboard the vessel carrying 24 Indian seafarers south of the Strait of Hormuz.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the focus is rightly on the recent attacks, we must not forget the individual tragedies like this. A man died due to medical complications, and his body is stuck on a ship at Duqm Port. The embassy says efforts are underway for 'earliest possible disembarkation and repatriation'—I hope they move fast. The family must be in agony waiting. Kudos to the Indian embassy for staying in touch, but these processes need to be quicker.
Our government rightly summoned the US Charge d'Affaires twice over the attacks on Indian seafarers. The MEA's statement was very clear: 'unacceptable and undermine safety, security and stability.' But we also need to address the root cause—why are our sailors being put in harm's way on these vessels? The US actions are dangerous, and we must protect our citizens. Three lives lost on the Settebello, Nishanth on the Celestial, and the Jalveer crew saved—too much happening in such a short time. 🙏
This is a sad reminder of the risks Indian seafarers face. The geopolitical tensions in West Asia are spilling over onto civilian vessels. While the US and others operate with military force, it's our citizens who bear the brunt. The MEA's strong protest is necessary, but I fear it might not change much if the US continues to act unilaterally. Also, condolences to Nishanth's family—a medical death is tragic even without the chaos around. 🙏
Three incidents in just over a week—Marivex fire, Settebello attack, Celestial medical death, and Jalveer attack. Our Indian sailors are going through so much out there. It's commendable how the embassy and MEA are coordinating rescues and diplomatic responses, but we need a more robust system to ensure the safety of Indian crew members. The government must push for international agreements to protect civilian shipping. Also, my heart goes out to Nishanth's family—waiting for his body to come home must be unbearable.
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