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'Body preserved with cold water': Indian sailor dies on ship near Oman; tensions delay aid
'Body preserved with cold water': Indian sailor dies on ship near Oman; tensions delay aid
The Forward Seamen's Union of India is seeking assistance after a 35-year-old officer died on a vessel off Oman's coast. His body has been onboard for over two days without proper refrigeration, leading to a health risk for the crew. The union alleges delayed medical help due to regional tensions and is demanding body preservation, repatriation, and an investigation.
Body stitched, organs missing: Family seeks probe into Indian seafarer ...
Body stitched, organs missing: Family seeks probe into Indian seafarer ...
Body stitched, organs missing: Family seeks probe into Indian seafarer’s death in Venezuela
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Cranes installed near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge in Mumbai on June 28. The death of an Indian seafarer in Venezuela has sparked demands for an investigation after an autopsy in Uttar Pradesh, India, reportedly found all of his major internal organs missing.
PHOTO: AFP
Published
Jul 01, 2026, 11:30 PM
Updated
Jul 01, 2026, 11:32 PM
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An autopsy of an Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela in India found all his major internal organs missing, making the cause of death undetermined.
His family and the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India have demanded a full investigation and intervention by the Indian government.
The body was returned without any autopsy report from Venezuela, raising concerns about transparency and justice for the family.
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UTTAR PRADESH - The mysterious death of a 33-year-old Indian seafarer in Venezuela has sparked demands for an investigation after an autopsy in the Indian state o…
Indian sailor dies from medical complications aboard tanker near Oman ...
Indian sailor dies from medical complications aboard tanker near Oman ...
An Indian national died of medical complications onboard a tanker that docked at the Duqm Port in Oman on Sunday (IST), according to the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The diplomatic mission did not elaborate on the "medical conditions" leading to the death.
The man who died has been identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan. The mission said that efforts are underway to bring his body back to India. The Embassy also extended its condolences to the sailor's family and stated that it has been in continuous contact with the ship's management company.
In a post on X, the mission on Sunday said, "The Embassy remains in active coordination with local Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company regarding Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan, who unfortunately died onboard MT Celestial due to medical conditions."
It added, "Necessary arrangements have been made for prompt recovery of the mortal remains from the vessel." The announcement came a day after the mission confirmed that Uirthanathan was aboard MT Celestial when he "passed away due to medical complications."
According to the Forward Seamen's Union of India, t…
Wife of Indian seafarer who died aboard vessel in Oman seeks ‘justice’
Wife of Indian seafarer who died aboard vessel in Oman seeks ‘justice’
A grieving family is desperately seeking the repatriation of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan's body from Oman and a thorough investigation into his death aboard MT Celestial. They allege a severe lack of communication from the shipping company and inadequate medical care. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating efforts for the body's return.
Can India react to Gulf sailors’ deaths like China did with US after 1999 embassy bombing?
Can India react to Gulf sailors’ deaths like China did with US after 1999 embassy bombing?
The images were difficult to ignore. A viral video showed the body of a 35-year-old Indian seafarer on a vessel off Oman, with crew members using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow the decomposition process.
He had died last Thursday from medical complications, but it had not been possible to send help or evacuate him from the ship because of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The previous day, three more Indian sailors were killed when a tanker moored nearby was bombed...
Indian sailor dies aboard tanker that was diverted to Oman by US ...
Indian sailor dies aboard tanker that was diverted to Oman by US ...
An
Indian crew member
of a ship docked at an
Omani port
died from medical complications, reportedly after a delay in his evacuation.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of
India
claimed that Nishanth Uirthanathan, 35, from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, died aboard the
tanker
MT Celestial while it was docked at Duqm Port.
The union said Uirthanathan died at around 6pm local time on 11 June after “falling seriously ill” three days earlier.
“His body has remained onboard for over two days with no proper refrigeration,” it said. “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.”
The union called for urgent preservation and repatriation of the sailor’s body, support for the crew and “full investigation into the response failures.”
The Independent
has reached out to the union for comment.
The
Indian
embassy
in Muscat confirmed the death. “The
embassy
remains in active coordination with local Omani authorities, port officials, and the shipping comp…
Indian Seafarer's Organs Missing After Death in Venezuela, Family Seeks ...
Indian Seafarer's Organs Missing After Death in Venezuela, Family Seeks ...
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New Delhi– The family of an Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela in May has called for an investigation after an autopsy in India found that his internal organs, including his brain, heart and lungs, were missing.
Rakesh Chauhan, 33, a resident of Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, was reportedly said to have died of cardiac arrest. His body was returned to India nearly a month after his death.
The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India also demanded a comprehensive investigation into Chauhan’s death and the handling of his remains, saying the body arrived without an autopsy report or official documentation from Venezuelan authorities.
“Family demanded a re-autopsy. The official Post-Mortem Report conducted in India reveals a horrifying truth: NOT A SINGLE ORGAN was found in the body. Brain — Missing, Heart — Missing, Both Lungs — Missing, Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Pancreas, Stomach, Intestines — ALL Missing, Thyroid, Hyoid, Larynx and Trachea — Missing,” the organization said in a post on X.
“Body showed extensive prior stitching (…
ANI15 Jun 2026, 01:27 GMT+10
ANI15 Jun 2026, 01:27 GMT+10
Muscat [Oman], June 15 (ANI): The mortal remains of Indian national Nishanth Uirthanathan, who passed away following medical complications, have been disembarked from MT Celestial at the Port of Duqm in Oman and transferred to the Ministry of Health Hospital, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said.
The Indian Embassy is coordinating with the family of the deceased and the Omani authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the mortal remains to India.
'The mortal remains of Mr Nishanth Uirthanathan have been disembarked from MT Celestial at the Port of Duqm and transferred to the Ministry of Health Hospital, Duqm. The Embassy of India in Muscat is coordinating closely with the family of the deceased and the concerned Omani authorities to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of the mortal remains to India,' the embassy said in a statement on X.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat had been working with the vessel's management company and Omani authorities to speed up the repatriation of an Indian seafarer's mortal remains. Nishanth Uirthanathan died due to medical complications while aboard MT Celestial, which is docked at Duqm Port.
In a post on X, it …
Indian Sailor Dies Of Medical Complications Aboard Vessel Off Oman ...
Indian Sailor Dies Of Medical Complications Aboard Vessel Off Oman ...
An Indian national died aboard the MT Celestial at Duqm Port in Oman due to medical complications. The Embassy of India in Muscat expressed condolences over the death on Saturday and said it is coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased's mortal remains to India.
Taking to X, the embassy wrote, "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," it added.
The Embassy on Sunday stated that it remains in active coordination with local Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company regarding Nishanth Uirthanathan mortal remains, who unfortunately died onboard MT Celestial due to medical conditions.
It was further informed that the vessel is expected to…
Indian seafarer dies after days without medical help aboard oil tanker
Indian seafarer dies after days without medical help aboard oil tanker
Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Indian seafarer from Thoothukudi, died aboard the MT Celestial Sea after days of illness and delayed medical assistance. His death has raised serious concerns about maritime safety, crew welfare, emergency response systems and the conditions faced by seafarers operating in high-risk waters.
Indian sailor dies from medical complications aboard tanker in Oman
Indian sailor dies from medical complications aboard tanker in Oman
The Indian mission identified the deceased as Nishanth Uirthanathan, who was on board MT
Indian sailor dies on vessel in Oman; embassy works to repatriate body
Indian sailor dies on vessel in Oman; embassy works to repatriate body
Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Second Officer from Tamil Nadu serving aboard the tanker MT Celestial, has died of medical complications while the vessel was docked atDuqm Port in Omanand the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has alleged that delays in arranging his medical evacuation contributed to his death, calling for an inquiry into the circumstances.
The Embassy of India in Muscat said in a post on X on Saturday that Uirthanathan had passed away due to medical complications, and that it was coordinating with the ship management company and other stakeholders on repatriation, with arrangements being made to send his remains home “at the earliest.”
An Indian national Mr. 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…
The Indian mission said it is in touch with the ship’s management and other authorities to complete formalities.
“The embassy is in continuous contact with the ship management…
Indian sailor dies from medical complications aboard tanker in Oman
Indian sailor dies from medical complications aboard tanker in Oman
An Indian national died from medical complications aboard the vessel MT Celestial while it was docked at Duqm Port in Oman, the Indian embassy in Muscat said late Saturday.“Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India,” the embassy said in a post on social media.India has more than 300,000 seafarers working across global shipping fleets, according to government data. More than 18,000 Indian seafarers are employed in the Middle East, an official in the country’s shipping ministry said last week.The death comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US strike on a tanker off Oman, triggering criticism from the public and opposition parties.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Opposition parties have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit later this week.And on Friday, India took the rare
Indian sailor dies aboard tanker that was diverted to Oman by US military
Union says sailor died from medical complications after delay in evacuation
www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/i...
Indian sailor dies on vessel in Oman; embassy works to repatriate body
FSUI Seeks Probe Following Missing Brain, Heart, Lungs Among Other Body ...
FSUI Seeks Probe Following Missing Brain, Heart, Lungs Among Other Body ...
The death of 33-year-old Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela has sparked serious concerns after his body was repatriated to Uttar Pradesh with several vital internal organs reportedly missing. The incident has prompted the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) to demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the FSUI, Chauhan's mortal remains were sent to his hometown in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, nearly a month after his death without an autopsy report or any official details from the Venezuelan authorities explaining the cause of death.
Second post-mortem reveals multiple organs missing
Following the family's demand for a fresh examination, an official post-mortem was conducted in India. According to the FSUI, the report found that almost all major internal organs had already been removed.
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In a statement shared by the union, the findings included the absence of the following:
-
Brain
- Heart
- Both lungs
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- P…
Brain, heart, lungs missing: Indian sailor dies in Venezuela, family says major organs removed
Brain, heart, lungs missing: Indian sailor dies in Venezuela, family says major organs removed
A shocking discovery has emerged regarding the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela. His body, returned to India without vital organs and with extensive prior stitching, has raised grave suspicions. The seafarers' union is demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged foul play and a cover-up, urging immediate intervention from the Indian Embassy for justice and compensation for the grieving family.
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact. 8 fabricated/unverifiable quotes were rejected by the cite-or-die gate.
The spine · 4 facts corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
2×cross-perspective · 2Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan died from medical complications aboard the tanker MT Celestial while it was docked at Duqm Port in Oman.
gulfindia
alarabiya“An Indian national died from medical complications aboard the vessel MT Celestial while it was docked at Duqm Port in Oman, the Indian embassy in Muscat said late Saturday.”
hindu“Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Indian seafarer from Thoothukudi, died aboard the MT Celestial Sea after days of illness and delayed medical assistance.”
indianexpress“Indian sailor dies on vessel in Oman; embassy works to repatriate body”
3×broadly confirmedThe Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating the repatriation of the sailor’s mortal remains to India.
gulfindiaother
alarabiya“Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India,”
gdelt“The Embassy of India in Muscat is coordinating closely with the family of the deceased and the concerned Omani authorities to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of the mortal remains to India,”
indianexpress“Indian sailor dies on vessel in Oman; embassy works to repatriate body”
2×cross-perspective · 2The sailor experienced delayed medical assistance and days without medical help before his death.
chinaindia
hindu“died aboard the MT Celestial Sea after days of illness and delayed medical assistance.”
scmp“it had not been possible to send help or evacuate him from the ship because of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.”
2×cross-perspective · 2Three Indian seafarers were killed in a US strike on a tanker off Oman days before this death.
chinagulf
alarabiya“The death comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US strike on a tanker off Oman, triggering criticism from the public and opposition parties.”
scmp“The previous day, three more Indian sailors were killed when a tanker moored nearby was bombed...”
Single-source · 8 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
The deceased was Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35‑year‑old Indian seafarer from Thoothukudi.
hindu
The tanker was diverted to Oman by the US military.
bluesky
Opposition parties urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue with US President Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit.
alarabiya
The US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz prevented help or evacuation of the sailor.
scmp
The death raised serious concerns about maritime safety, crew welfare, emergency response systems and conditions for seafarers in high‑risk waters.
hindu
Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan died in Venezuela; his body was returned to India without major internal organs and with extensive prior stitching.
timesofindia
The family and the Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India demanded a full investigation and Indian‑government intervention.
straitstimes.com
The body was returned without any autopsy report from Venezuela.
straitstimes.com
Framing · 4 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
alarabiya
“triggering criticism from the public and opposition parties.”
→ The phrase "triggering criticism" is emotive framing.
scmp
“The images were difficult to ignore. A viral video showed the body of a 35-year-old Indian seafarer on a vessel off Oman, with crew members using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to slow the decomposition process.”
→ Words such as "viral video", "desperate attempt" constitute loaded framing.
hindu
“His death has raised serious concerns about maritime safety, crew welfare, emergency response systems and the conditions faced by seafarers operating in high-risk waters.”
→ The phrase "serious concerns" is a value‑laden framing.
timesofindia
“Brain, heart, lungs missing: Indian sailor dies in Venezuela, family says major organs removed”
→ The headline uses sensational language ("Brain, heart, lungs missing").
Entities
United Statesplace
United Statesorg
Indiaplace
Chinaplace
gas tankervessel
Omaniplace
My wifeperson
Indian seafarersperson
Indian sailorsperson
Ukrainian embassyorg
sailorperson
US military
Unionorg