Muscat (Oman): An Indian seafarer serving aboard the merchant vessel MT Celestial has died at Oman’s Duqm Port, triggering allegations of negligence and delayed medical assistance from crew members and a maritime workers' union.

The deceased, identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan, was serving as the vessel's second officer. His death comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where attacks on commercial shipping have intensified in recent weeks.

The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed the death on Saturday, saying it was coordinating with relevant authorities and the ship management company to facilitate the return of his remains to India.

"An Indian national Nishanth Uirthanathan passed away due to medical complications. His mortal remains are currently onboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port. The Embassy has been in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating closely with all concerned stakeholders. Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time," the embassy said in a post on X.

Crew alleges delays in medical evacuation

The death has sparked controversy after the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) accused authorities and stakeholders of failing to provide timely medical assistance and adequate support during the emergency.

According to a statement signed by 15 crew members, Uirthanathan first fell seriously ill on June 8 and suffered repeated vomiting. The crew said the company was informed immediately, while distress calls were made to naval authorities, including communication on VHF Channel 16 and notifications to the US Navy.

According to ETVBharat, despite repeated requests, the crew alleged that no immediate assistance arrived as his condition deteriorated.

“On June 8, the second officer was not feeling well and vomited continuously. This information was shared with the company, and the navy was called on VHF Channel 16, and the US Navy was also intimated with details of the sick patient. The situation worsened, and still there was no response,” the letter signed by 15 crew members reads.

The crew said they later sought urgent medical evacuation through Duqm Port authorities on June 11 as Uirthanathan's condition worsened.

“We called Duqm Port Control and asked for medical aid and requested to evacuate the second officer. Port control asked the local agent in Duqm; by 14:00 hours, the company gave us the agent's details in Duqm, and we passed on the information. By 15:00 hours he had become unconscious,” the statement said.

Union raises concerns over handling of remains

The FSUI has alleged that Uirthanathan's body remained onboard for more than two days without proper preservation facilities, forcing crew members to improvise while awaiting official assistance.

The union claimed there was no suitable refrigeration available and that crew members resorted to using cold water bottles in an attempt to slow decomposition.

“Two days later, mortal remains remain onboard without proper preservation. Port Duqm, Oman, has shut down WiFi/comms, with authorities unresponsive,” the union said in a social media post.

Expressing concern about the treatment of merchant mariners, the FSUI added: “Who cares for seafarers? They keep global trade moving but face neglect in medical care & repatriation amid conflicts they have nothing to do with. Demand urgent action for evacuation, body preservation & dignified return.”

The union has called for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the medical response, the handling of the emergency and support provided to the crew.

Captain and crew question company response

According to reports, the vessel's captain has also criticised the ship management company, alleging insufficient coordination and support while the crew attempted to deal with the medical emergency.

Crew members additionally claimed they had been facing shortages of supplies onboard before the incident occurred, adding to the difficulties experienced during the crisis.

The vessel's management company, Romana Ship Management, rejected suggestions of wrongdoing and pointed to an earlier disagreement with the crew regarding the ship's route.

“It is further placed on record that three (03) days prior to this incident, you were advised to proceed to Shinas, which you refused without valid justification,” the company said.

Death comes amid growing risks to Indian seafarers

Uirthanathan's death marks the fourth reported death involving an Indian sailor amid escalating security concerns in waters near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Merchant vessels and oil tankers operating in the region have increasingly found themselves caught up in the wider conflict. Four vessels have reportedly been hit during June alone, while three people were earlier killed aboard the vessel Settebello.

India protests attacks on commercial shipping

The case emerged just a day after India formally protested to the United States over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said it had summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks on Friday and conveyed strong objections regarding recent incidents involving American naval forces.

"A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives," the ministry said.

The ministry also reiterated its concerns about the use of force against civilian shipping in the region.

"The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time," the statement added.

(With ANI inputs)