An Indian national died due to medical complications aboard a tanker that was preparing to dock at Duqm Port in Oman, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Muscat on Sunday. While confirming the death, the embassy did not provide specific details regarding the medical condition that led to the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan. The Indian Embassy stated that efforts are currently underway to facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains to India. The mission also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and said it has remained in continuous contact with the ship's management company regarding the matter.
In a statement shared on social media, the embassy said that it was actively coordinating with Omani authorities, port officials, and representatives of the shipping company following the unfortunate death of Nishanth Uirthanathan aboard the tanker MT Celestial. According to the embassy, the sailor passed away due to medical complications while the vessel was at sea.
The mission further stated that the vessel was expected to berth at Duqm Port shortly and that necessary arrangements had already been made to ensure the prompt recovery of the body from the ship once it arrived at the port.
The announcement followed an earlier update issued by the embassy a day before, in which officials confirmed that Uirthanathan had died aboard MT Celestial after suffering medical complications. The embassy assured that all required procedures were being coordinated with local authorities to ensure a smooth process.
According to the Forward Seamen's Union of India, Uirthanathan fell seriously ill on June 11 and later succumbed to his condition while onboard the vessel. The union has appealed to both Indian and Omani authorities to expedite the necessary formalities and provide support to the deceased sailor's family.
On Saturday, the union also shared a video purportedly showing Uirthanathan in a visibly weak condition while a fellow crew member attempted to assist him by offering food. However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
The incident has drawn additional attention because MT Celestial was involved in a separate maritime episode last month. The commercial tanker was stopped by US Marines during a search operation amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was reportedly suspected of violating restrictions linked to the American maritime blockade in the region.
According to a statement issued by the US Central Command on May 20, the tanker was searched and later released after the inspection was completed. Following the operation, the crew was reportedly instructed to alter the vessel's course before continuing its journey.
Authorities have not indicated any connection between the previous maritime inspection and the death of the Indian sailor. The current case is being treated as a medical incident, with officials focusing on the repatriation process and support for the deceased's family.
