Muscat: An Indian crew member aboard the merchant vessel MT Celestial has passed away after suffering medical complications while the ship was stationed at Duqm Port in Oman. The incident has prompted swift action from the Indian Embassy, which is coordinating efforts to send the deceased’s mortal remains back to his family in India.
The deceased has been identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan. According to officials, the embassy has been maintaining close communication with the vessel’s management as well as local authorities to ensure that all necessary formalities are completed without delay.
Expressing condolences, the Embassy of India in Muscat stated that arrangements are underway for the early repatriation of the body and assured that all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family during this difficult period.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region. In recent days, the Government of India has voiced strong concern over attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman.
Earlier this week, New Delhi summoned the United States’ Charge d’Affaires and lodged a formal protest after multiple incidents involving merchant vessels reportedly led to the deaths of three Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated the importance of safeguarding civilian shipping routes and protecting the lives of seafarers working in international waters.
With another Indian life lost overseas, the incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by merchant navy personnel serving on vessels across conflict-prone maritime regions.
