More than a week after Mumbai seafarer Dixit Solanki tragically died aboard the missile-struck oil tanker MT MKD Vyom in the Arabian Sea, his family has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers for urgent assistance in repatriating his remains. In letters dated March 5 and 8, Solanki’s sister Mitali and father Amratlal expressed their distress over the lack of information regarding his body, which remains on the damaged vessel.
Solanki, a 32-year-old oiler, was killed on March 1 due to an explosion and fire believed to be caused by a missile strike roughly 50 nautical miles off Oman’s coast. Following the incident, the remaining 21 crew members evacuated the tanker but were unable to retrieve Solanki’s body, which was located near the hull breach. The ship’s management confirmed that towing operations are ongoing, but safety concerns have prevented any boarding of the vessel.
The family has expressed deep anguish over the inability to conduct last rites for Solanki, emphasizing the need for government intervention to facilitate the return of his remains. They highlighted the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of seafarers, akin to military personnel, in sustaining the nation’s economic lifeline.
