Story perspectives

Indian Seafarer’s Body Unrefrigerated Two Days, Union Outcry

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The body of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan remained on the MT Celestial for over two days after his June 11, 2026 death, without refrigeration, prompting criticism from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.
The Indian embassy is working with Omani authorities, port officials and shipping company to recover the remains and arrange repatriation.
Union members used cold-water bottles to slow decay and posted a video showing ill crew member being offered food.

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Story summary

The body of Indian seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan remained on the MT Celestial for over two days after his June 11, 2026 death, without refrigeration, prompting criticism from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.
The Indian embassy is working with Omani authorities, port officials and shipping company to recover the remains and arrange repatriation.
Union members used cold-water bottles to slow decay and posted a video showing ill crew member being offered food.