Congress Attacks Centre Over Nishanth Uirthanathan Case As Sailor's Body Reaches Oman Port

The mortal remains of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died aboard a commercial vessel near the Oman coast, have finally reached the Port of Duqm, offering a crucial breakthrough in efforts to bring him back home. The development comes after days of uncertainty, allegations of negligence, and growing criticism over the handling of the medical emergency that preceded his death.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the vessel MT Celestial carrying Nishanth's body berthed at Duqm Port on Sunday. Omani authorities are expected to complete formalities required for the disembarkation of the mortal remains before arrangements for repatriation to India can proceed.

MEA Says Arrangements Underway At Duqm Port

In a statement, the MEA said, "The vessel MT Celestial carrying mortal remains of Nishanth Uirthanathan has now berthed at the Port of Duqm. Concerned Omani authorities are scheduled to board the vessel to complete the necessary procedures for disembarkation of the mortal remains."

The ministry added that the Indian Mission in Oman had coordinated all necessary arrangements to facilitate the process at the port.

The case has drawn significant attention as Indian authorities continue efforts to assist families of seafarers affected by recent security-related incidents involving commercial ships operating in the Gulf region.

Crew Claims Repeated Appeals For Medical Evacuation Went Unanswered

Nishanth, a 35-year-old native of Cruz Puram in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district, was serving as Second Officer aboard MT Celestial Sea. The vessel had been searched by US Marines deployed to enforce the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ordered by US President Donald Trump.

According to a "Statement of Incident" signed by several crew members, Nishanth first reported vomiting and illness on June 8 while the ship was anchored near Duqm Port. The crew alleged they repeatedly informed company officials and also contacted the US Navy through maritime emergency communication channels, including VHF Channel 16, requesting urgent assistance.

The document stated that crew members administered medicines, oral rehydration solutions, rice and fluids as his condition worsened over the following days. They claimed repeated requests for emergency medical evacuation initially received "no response."

On the morning of June 11, Nishanth reportedly stopped consuming food and water. As the vessel approached Duqm later that day, the crew renewed calls for urgent medical assistance. According to the statement, he became unconscious around 3 pm and subsequently died.

Shipping Company And Captain Trade Negligence Allegations

While crew members blamed delays in securing medical help, the vessel's management company levelled serious accusations against the ship's captain.

In an internal communication addressed to Captain Rajendra Yadav, Romana Ship Management Co Ltd claimed it had immediately contacted the Royal Oman Navy, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), and the Indian Embassy in Muscat after learning Nishanth had no pulse and showed no signs of life.

The company alleged authorities instructed the vessel to proceed to Shinas Port to enable emergency response measures, medical support and repatriation procedures. However, it accused the captain of refusing repeated directions to move the vessel.

The management company alleged gross negligence, failure of command responsibility, disregard for crew welfare and obstruction of emergency assistance. It further warned that the matter could be escalated to the Directorate General of Shipping and other authorities, suggesting the conduct could amount to a serious breach of professional duty and even mutiny onboard.

Family Seeks Answers As Congress Targets Centre

Nishanth's wife, Sarabin, said the family remains unsure about the circumstances surrounding his death. According to relatives, he had spoken normally with family members on June 5. Days later, when they tried contacting him again, they were allegedly informed that he had been hospitalised after falling ill. Communication then stopped, and the family later learned of his death through social media posts shared by fellow seafarers.

"We still do not know the true reason for his death. My husband spoke to us normally just days ago. Now his body is lying stranded in the ship," Sarabin told reporters after submitting a petition to the Thoothukudi Collector.

She urged both the Union and Tamil Nadu governments to ensure the immediate return of the body and provide compensation for the family, including their four-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son.

The issue also triggered political criticism. The Congress party alleged that despite Nishanth's death on June 11, his mortal remains had remained stranded for days without adequate assistance from the government.

In a post on X, the party claimed that his body was waiting to be brought back to India and that fellow crew members were forced to use chilled water bottles to slow decomposition. Congress further accused the Centre of failing to help and demanded that the government ensure Nishanth's mortal remains were returned to India with dignity at the earliest.

ओमान में फंसे जहाज पर 11 जून को भारतीय सेकंड ऑफिसर निशांत उर्थनाथन की मौत हो गई।

पिछले 2-3 दिनों से उनका पार्थिव शरीर हिंदुस्तान आने की राह देख रहा है, लेकिन मोदी सरकार की तरफ से कोई मदद नहीं की जा रही।

उनका शव सड़ रहा है, जिसे बचाने के लिए उनके साथी पानी की ठंडी बोतलों का… pic.twitter.com/7mHYbXlFGB

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 14, 2026

Seafarers' Union Raises Questions Over Evacuation Delay

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has also alleged negligence on the part of the shipowner.

In a social media post, the union claimed that a medical evacuation fee of 10 Omani riyals, less than Rs 2,800, was not paid, resulting in delays that proved fatal.

"A young Indian seafarer's life cost just 10 Omani riyal. Nishanth Uirthanathan died due to shipowner negligence. Delays in help and failure to arrange the handling of mortal remains raise serious questions," the union alleged.

The organisation further claimed that Nishanth's body remained onboard for more than two days without proper refrigeration.

"Crew members are using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow decomposition," it said, describing the situation as both horrifying and a potential health risk.

With the vessel now docked at Duqm and local formalities underway, attention is expected to shift toward repatriating Nishanth's body to India and determining whether any lapses contributed to the death of the Tamil Nadu sailor.