Tragedy at Sea: Mourning Captain Rakesh Ranjan

Captain Rakesh Ranjan, 43, died onboard a stranded merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, allegedly from cardiac arrest. His family is pleading with Indian authorities and the shipping company to expedite the return of his body to Ranchi, while awaiting a post-mortem examination for the exact cause of death.

Captain Rakesh Ranjan, aged 43, tragically passed away on board the oil-carrying merchant vessel 'ASP Avana- RPSL-MUM-172', near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. His untimely death has left a grieving family appealing to authorities in India for assistance.

The vessel was stranded 14 nautical miles off the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Ranjan's family claims he died on March 18, allegedly from a cardiac arrest, while the ship awaited movement clearance.

His brother, Umesh Singh, is calling on both central and state authorities, as well as the shipping company, to expedite the return of Ranjan's body and settle any financial entitlements owed. The family is also waiting for a post-mortem report to confirm the cause of death.

(With inputs from agencies.)