India Begins Repatriating 35-Year-Old Officer From MT Celestial as Delayed Treatment Draws Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · Republic World · Jun 14
India Begins Repatriating 35-Year-Old Officer From MT Celestial as Delayed Treatment Draws Scrutiny
3 articles · Updated · Republic World · Jun 14
Summary
June 11 marked the death of Second Officer Nishanth Uirthanathan, 35, aboard MT Celestial after medical complications, with the Indian Embassy in Oman now working to disembark and return his body to India.
Repeated medical-evacuation distress calls allegedly went unanswered because of the volatile regional security situation, seafarers' unions and crew said, leaving him without timely treatment.
More than two days later, his body was still onboard at Duqm Port without proper preservation facilities, and crew members were using cold water bottles to slow decomposition, according to the captain.
FSUI said the crew is also facing missile and drone threats, damaged communications and severe psychological stress, and it demanded immediate intervention, support for seafarers and an investigation.
The case adds to mounting concern over commercial shipping safety in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, where India has already protested attacks that killed Indian mariners.