An Indian national has died aboard a commercial vessel docked at Duqm Port in Oman, according to the Indian Embassy in Muscat.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the embassy said Nishanth Uirthanathan passed away due to medical complications while onboard the MT Celestial. Officials said the embassy was coordinating with the ship management company and local authorities to arrange the repatriation of his remains to India.
“Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the embassy said in a post on X.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters, which remain critical routes for international trade and energy shipments.
Separately, India on Friday summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge what it described as a “strong protest” over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the protest followed incidents involving US naval forces that reportedly resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
The ministry expressed concern over the use of force against civilian shipping, warning that such actions could undermine maritime safety and regional stability at a sensitive time for international commerce.
The Gulf of Oman and nearby shipping corridors have witnessed increased tensions in recent months as regional security concerns continue to affect commercial maritime operations.
