India has recently lost three young sailors with promising futures. They were tragically killed on June 10, 2026, when a US military aircraft fired precision missiles into the engine room of their oil tanker, the MT Settebello. The tragedy took place while they were on duty in the Gulf of Oman. The attack has triggered nationwide outrage and created a tense situation with the US. Just a day later, India faced yet another blow as another sailor lost his life off the coast of Oman. According to reports, there have been several grievances surrounding his manner of death and body preservation.
Who was the Indian sailor who passed away on the Oman coast?
The Indian sailor who tragically died near the coast of Oman was identified on June 13, 2026 as Nishanth Uirthanathan. He was a 35-year-old Indian merchant navy seafarer, hailing from Tamil Nadu. He was serving as a Second Officer aboard the commercial tanker, MT Celestial, on June 11, 2026, when he passed away after experiencing sudden health complications. His death has sparked widespread outrage after the surfacing of the heartwrenching details regarding his final moments.
Nishanth Uirthanathan was helpless in his final moments
According to reports, Nishanth fell seriously ill on June 8, 2026, while the vessel was operating near the coast of Oman. His condition quickly deteriorated. The ship’s captain reportedly issued repeated distress calls requesting urgent medical evacuation. However, timely rescue operations could not take place due to severe delays caused by heightened regional tensions and military restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Due to being unable to secure immediate onshore medical intervention, Nishanth, who had been fighting for life for three days, passed away on June 11, 2026. The utter helplessness of the man on his deathbed sparked a nationwide outrage.
Why did the ship lack adequate medical preparedness?
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) blamed the shipowner for the lack of adequate medical preparedness. The union representatives called out the shipowner’s alleged negligence, suggesting that the emergency medical evacuation visa fee at Oman’s Duqm Port had not been paid. The FSUI spokesperson shared that the visa fee costs a mere 10 Omani Riyals (Rs. 2,473), implying that it was the cost they had to pay to save a life. The vessel’s captain also released a video plea stating that the ship management company went completely unresponsive following the incident.
Heartbreaking details regarding Nishanth Uirthanathan’s body preservation surfaced
From June 11 to 13, 2026, Nishanth Uirthanathan’s body remained on the ship for over 48 hours without refrigeration. The crew, unable to fathom what to do in such a situation, used cold water bottles to preserve the body of the 35-year-old seafarer. Following that, the ship’s captain released a video sharing their helpless situation with the world. He claimed that they received no assistance from the ship owners during the tough time. The FSUI took to X (formerly Twitter) to say that they, as well as the ship’s captain, are demanding an investigation into the matter. The statement could be read as:
“[Nishanth’s] body has remained onboard for over 2 days with no proper refrigeration. Crew is using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow decomposition — a horrifying and health-risking situation. Despite repeated distress calls, timely medical evacuation was reportedly delayed amid regional tensions. FSUI and the captain are urgently demanding body preservation/repatriation, crew support, and full investigation into the response failures.”
Watch the video here.
When will Nishanth Uirthanathan’s mortal remains be brought to India?
The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed that it is in continuous contact with the ship’s management company, the bereaved family members, and local authorities to carry out the necessary formalities and bring Nishanth’s body back to his nation as soon as possible. As of June 14, 2026, his mortal remains are on board the merchant vessel MT Celestial, which is currently docked at the Duqm Port in Oman. No specific date or time has been confirmed for the body’s return to India yet.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Nishanth Uirthanathan’s family as they deal with this difficult time.
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Photos courtesy: FSUI, Representative Image/ANI, Reuters
