Tragedy at Sea: Captain Rakesh Ranjan's Struggle for Repatriation

Captain Rakesh Ranjan passed away on a merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. His family, seeking closure, appeals to the government for assistance in repatriating his body. The vessel had been halted amid regional conflicts, complicating immediate assistance. Efforts face delays due to holidays and pending legalities.

Captain Rakesh Ranjan died aboard a merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, his family reported, requesting urgent assistance from both the Centre and Jharkhand government to repatriate his body.

The Ranchi resident, 43, was serving as captain on the oil-carrying ship 'ASP Avana- RPSL-MUM-172', owned by a private company, since February. Ranjan reportedly succumbed to cardiac arrest on March 18, amidst the vessel's immobilization due to regional strife.

His elder brother, Umesh Singh, urged for Chief Minister Hemant Soren's intervention to expedite the body's repatriation and to ensure the release of his financial entitlements. The family, originally from Bihar, awaits a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death and cited delays due to Eid celebrations and legal processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)