Indian Seafarer Goes Missing After Cargo Ship Fire Off Oman Coast; Family Raises Reporting Concerns

A 24-year-old Indian seafarer has gone missing after a fire broke out aboard the cargo vessel MV WARBA off Oman’s central coast on February 8.

The incident occurred near Duqm while the ship was en route to Africa.

More than two weeks later, the family says they have not received any official update about the search or responsibility, raising concerns about whether India’s marine reporting rules were followed.

The missing seafarer, K. Gopianan, had joined the vessel as a cook barely two weeks before the incident.

The fire erupted on February 8 when MV WARBA was sailing off Duqm, a key port town on Oman’s central coastline. At the time of the incident, the vessel was on passage to Africa.

During the emergency, Gopianan managed to call his father in Tamil Nadu. He informed him that a fire had broken out onboard and that he was following the captain’s instructions. That call was the last contact.

According to the family, they were informed about his disappearance on February 9 through a call from the vessel’s master, Captain Bhoominathan.

Gopianan had departed from Tamil Nadu on January 22. He travelled from Tiruchy to Mumbai via Bengaluru before flying to Muscat, where he boarded the ship.

His father, Kamaraj, who runs a small mess in Tiruchy, has questioned the ship master’s explanation. According to the master, the seafarer jumped into the sea, came back to the ship for a short time, and then went missing.

Kamaraj has disputed that version. He questioned why anyone would return to a sinking vessel and expressed concern that the account could reduce the shipowner’s liability.

More than two weeks after the fire, the family says it has not received any official written update about the search, investigation, or next steps.

The Mumbai-based manning agent, CSMS Shipping Services (OPC) Pvt Ltd, denied any communication lapse. Ashish Yadav of the company reportedly stated that he has been in contact with the family and that an official letter confirming the seafarer’s missing status would be issued shortly.

An inspector from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reportedly urged India’s Directorate General of Shipping to examine the matter.

Allegations include possible violations of the Seamen Employment Agreement, payment below International Labour Organization (ILO) wage standards for a cook, and failure to promptly inform the family about the onboard fire.

Under India’s Merchant Shipping Notice No. 26 of 2002, shipping companies and recruitment and placement services must report accidents involving Indian seafarers to the Directorate General of Shipping within 48 to 72 hours.

Reference: newindianexpress

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