'His life cost just ₹2,473': FSUI claims seafarer's body is being preserved with cold water bottles, shares video

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has strongly criticized the alleged negligence surrounding the death of a 35-year-old Indian seafarer aboard the tanker MT Celestial, which was docked at Duqm Port in Oman. The union claims that the seafarer, Nishanth Uirthanathan, died on June 11 after falling seriously ill, and his body remains onboard without adequate preservation measures.

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Crew is using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to horrifying and health-risking situation.

According to the FSUI, the crew is resorting to using cold water bottles in a desperate and "horrifying and health-risking situation" to preserve the body. The union further alleges that timely medical evacuation was delayed due to regional tensions, compounding the distress for the crew. The FSUI and the ship's captain are urgently demanding proper body preservation, repatriation, crew support, and a thorough investigation into the alleged failures in response.

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Timely medical evacuation was ‘delayed amid regional tensions.’

The Indian embassy in Oman confirmed the seafarer's death, stating he succumbed to medical complications while the vessel was docked. The embassy assured that necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India.

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FSUI and the captain are urgently demanding body preservation/repatriation, crew support, and full investigation into the response failures.

This incident occurs shortly after three Indian seafarers were killed in a U.S. strike on a tanker off Oman, an event that drew significant criticism. The FSUI is demanding accountability from the shipowner and questioning the role of Omani authorities in the handling of the situation, citing "delays in help & failure to arrange mortal remains show clear intent."

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Delays in help & failure to arrange mortal remains show clear intent. Questions also for Omani authorities.