NEW DELHI: The family of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died aboard the vessel MT Celestial in Oman waters, has appealed to the government for the early repatriation of his mortal remains and demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.Speaking to news agency ANI, Uirthanathan’s wife Sarabin said the family had not received any official communication from the shipping company and urged authorities to ensure justice.“I am requesting the Government of India to take consider my husband’s death… I want to see my husband’s body. I want justice for my husband’s death,” she said.Sarabin also sought support for her family, saying she was left to care for their eight-month-old baby and three-year-old daughter.“Right now, I don’t know what to do next for both of my children’s lives. We didn’t get any official statement from the company about my husband’s death. I kindly request the government to provide a permanent career opportunity for the sake of my family,” she added.
Family alleges lack of communication
The deceased seafarer’s father alleged that the family was initially informed only about his son’s health condition and was not told about his death.“My son has been working on the ship for the past 10 months. The shipping company did not inform us about his death. Instead, they told us that my son was suffering from a health issue and then switched off his phone,” he said, as cited by ANI.He claimed that despite more than three days having passed since the death, the family had received no direct communication from the company or the vessel.The father further alleged that when his son’s health deteriorated, requests for emergency medical evacuation were not acted upon.“When my son’s condition became critical, those on board reportedly requested helicopter assistance for medical evacuation. However, there was no response from the company’s office,” he said.“Since the vessel on which my son was working had reportedly been laid up, no adequate medical assistance was provided to him. Even after informing us of his death, the company has allegedly failed to properly preserve my son’s body in a refrigerated facility,” he added, while demanding a detailed probe into the incident“We request that the authorities immediately bring back his mortal remains and conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. My son leaves behind two young daughters. We do not know what the future holds. Our family is in deep distress,” he said.
Indian Embassy coordinating repatriation
Amid the family’s concerns, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said it remains in active coordination with Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company to facilitate the return of Uirthanathan’s mortal remains.“The Embassy remains in active coordination with local Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company regarding Mr Nishanth Uirthanathan, who unfortunately died onboard MT Celestial due to medical conditions,” the mission said in a post on X.In its latest update, the embassy said the vessel MT Celestial carrying Uirthanathan’s mortal remains has berthed at Duqm Port. It said the concerned Omani authorities are scheduled to board the vessel to complete the necessary procedures for disembarkation of the body.“The Mission has coordinated all requisite arrangements to facilitate the process at the port,” the embassy said.Earlier, the mission had said the vessel was expected to berth soon at Duqm Port and that necessary arrangements had been made for the prompt recovery of the mortal remains.“The Mission is in touch with the family and facilitating all formalities for the earliest repatriation of the mortal remains to India,” it added.
Death sparks concerns
Uirthanathan died due to medical complications aboard MT Celestial on June 11. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has claimed the seafarer fell seriously ill and urged authorities in India and Oman to intervene.The incident has also drawn political attention. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi called for the immediate return of the seafarer’s mortal remains and criticised the government’s handling of the matter.The Indian Embassy had earlier expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said it was in continuous contact with the ship’s management company and other stakeholders to expedite the repatriation process.