Indian Seafarer Commits Suicide On Board Tanker in UAE Waters

A statement issued by the Indian Consulate in Dubai revealed that an Indian sailor hanged himself on board an oil tanker travelling on international waters. The body of the seafarer was brought to the shore after UAE authorities granted permission.

A seafarer’s life is always in trouble as they live onboard ships and amidst this condition many turn suicidal. One such case happened in UAE recently when an Indian Sailor took his own life on an oil tanker.

The sailor committed suicide by hanging himself on board an oil tanker on 29th January and the body was brought to shore by UAE authorities on appeal of the crew.

Image for representation purpose only

Seafarer Hanged Himself

The consulate has thanked UAE for the quick action especially their spontaneous approval to retrieve the body from the vessel upon the plea of the seafarer’s colleagues. Without retrieving the body the ship wasn’t able to sail further with his mortal remains.

The victim hailed from Uttar Pradesh and was part of 13 membered crew on the Indian oil tanker. The 24-year-old left from Sharjah along with the ship and was headed to Gujarat.

Manohar AB the manager of the shipping agency handling the ship said: “there was no cargo. They were taking the ship for scrapping in India”.

The crew found the seafarer hanged in the boiler room and the ship immediately reported to the Khor Gallan port.

No Freezer in Ship To Carry the Body

Manohar the manager revealed that the ship reached the port on Friday morning and then the consulate was informed so that they get permission from the local authorities to bring the body ashore.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai received requests from the seafarer’s colleague seeking retrieval of the body which was hampering their journey. The consulate received a second message from the Port Master urging for the same.

A statement issued by the consulate revealed that there was no freezer on board the ship to preserve the body and the crew was under trauma and stress. So, they returned to the UAE to seek help. The consulate had contacted all local authorities to seek approval for anchoring and retrieving the body.

Body Retrieved After Negotiations

Labour and Consular Jitender Singh Negi visited Khor Fakkan port and consulted with the UAE authorities and police to facilitate it.

“We took the body down and it has been shifted to a mortuary in Khor Fakkan. We have to wait for the rest of the procedures now,” said Manohar.

So far they couldn’t identify the reason for the seafarer’s death and the Sharjah Police is investigating it. There were no reports or complaints of salary delays.

“We have requested the police to expedite the procedures. We have also spoken to his family. They are shocked. They said he was a happy-go-lucky guy. He had talked to them a few days ago also”, said Manohar.

The consulate is planning to bring back the mortal remains by air once legal formalities are done. The consulate has thanked UAE for its quick action.

Press Release

Source: Maritime Shipping News