Muscat, June 15: The remains of Indian sailor Nishant Urthnathan have arrived at Duqm Port. The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that local authorities are following all necessary procedures to disembark the body from the ship. After completing the legal and administrative processes in Oman, Nishant’s remains will be sent back to India as soon as possible.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs posted on the social media platform X, stating, “The MT Celestial vessel carrying Nishant Urthnathan’s remains has reached Duqm Port, where local Omani officials will complete the necessary procedures for disembarkation. The mission has made all necessary arrangements to facilitate this process at the port.”
Nishant Urthnathan, a 35-year-old Indian sailor, tragically passed away on Thursday while aboard the MT Celestial near the coast of Oman. According to media reports, his health deteriorated amid rising tensions in international waters, and he did not receive adequate medical assistance, leading to his untimely death.
Earlier, on Sunday, the Indian Embassy posted on X that they have been in continuous contact with Nishant Urthnathan’s family, the crew members of the ship, and relevant authorities. Unfortunately, he passed away due to medical reasons. Efforts are being made to expedite the process of disembarking his remains and repatriating them to India.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) highlighted the incident, stating, “Another tragic event for sailors. The second officer of the MT Celestial also died due to a lack of timely medical assistance by 6 PM on June 11. Even after two days, the body remains on the ship. Duqm Port in Oman has shut down Wi-Fi/communication, and officials are not responding. Who cares for sailors? They facilitate global trade, yet face neglect in medical care and repatriation amid conflicts they have no part in.”
It is important to note that FSUI is the largest and oldest trade union in India advocating for the rights of Indian sailors and merchant navy personnel.
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