Indian national died due to medical complications aboard a vessel currently docked at Duqm Port in Oman. (File Photo)
Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Second Officer from Tamil Nadu serving aboard the tanker MT Celestial, has died of medical complications while the vessel was docked at Duqm Port in Oman and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has alleged that delays in arranging his medical evacuation contributed to his death, calling for an inquiry into the circumstances.
The Embassy of India in Muscat said in a post on X on Saturday that Uirthanathan had passed away due to medical complications, and that it was coordinating with the ship management company and other stakeholders on repatriation, with arrangements being made to send his remains home “at the earliest.”
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 Indian mission said it is in touch with the ship’s management and other authorities to complete formalities.
“The embassy is in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating with all concerned stakeholders,” it said.
“Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India,” the statement said.
The case highlights the challenges faced by Indian nationals working at sea, where access to immediate medical care can be limited.
Story continues below this ad
According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), Uirthanathan fell ill on June 8 and died around 6 pm on June 11. The union has alleged that attempts to secure medical treatment and an emergency evacuation for him were unsuccessful, that his body remained on board for two days after his death, and that communication services at Duqm Port were disrupted during this period. FSUI has called for an inquiry into the circumstances of his death.
A young Indian seafarer’s life cost just 10 Omani Riyal (~₹2,473) — the medical visa/evacuation fee available in an hour off Duqm. Nishanth Uirthanathan (35) died on shadow tanker MT Celestial due to shipowner negligence. Delays in help & failure to arrange mortal remains show… https://t.co/prkwS1r4Pc
News of the death has also drawn attention on social media, with several users tagging Indian government bodies including the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Shipping, and the Embassy in Muscat and calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Uirthanathan’s death and the handling of his repatriation.
Indian missions in Gulf countries regularly assist in cases involving deaths of Indian workers, including coordinating documentation and repatriation.
Authorities are completing procedures required for transporting the body to India.
The embassy has conveyed condolences to Uirthanathan’s family. Authorities are completing the procedures required for transporting his body to India.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
Share
Indian national died due to medical complications aboard a vessel currently docked at Duqm Port in Oman. (File Photo) 
