Tragic Loss: Jharkhand Captain Dies Aboard Vessel Near Hormuz, Family Seeks Government Help

Captain Rakesh Ranjan tragically passed away while serving on a merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. His family is urgently seeking help from the Jharkhand government and the central authorities to facilitate the return of his body. Ranjan, who had been on the ship since February, reportedly died from cardiac arrest. His family is also concerned about the release of his financial dues from the shipping company. As they await the post-mortem report, they have reached out to local officials for support in this distressing situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 18:34 IST

Captain's Untimely Death Raises Concerns

In a heartbreaking incident, Captain Rakesh Ranjan tragically passed away while on duty aboard a merchant ship transporting oil near the Strait of Hormuz. His family has reached out to both the central and Jharkhand state governments for assistance in repatriating his remains.

Ranjan, aged 43 and based in Ranchi, had embarked on the vessel named 'ASP Avana- RPSL-MUM-172', which is operated by a private firm, on February 2.

His family reported that he succumbed to a cardiac arrest on March 18. They stated that the ship had been immobilized approximately 14 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Umesh Singh, Ranjan's elder brother, has appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for prompt action to facilitate the return of his brother's body. He also urged the company to ensure there are no obstacles in releasing Ranjan's financial entitlements, calling for government oversight in the matter.

Singh further requested the central government, the Indian consulate in Dubai, and the shipping company to expedite the process of returning his brother's remains.

He mentioned that letters have been dispatched to CM Soren and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth, seeking their intervention.

According to Singh, the company informed the family that Ranjan lost consciousness and fell from his chair on March 18. Although attempts were made to provide medical help, permission for airlifting him was denied. He was subsequently transported by boat to Port Rashid in Dubai, where he was pronounced dead. Singh suspects cardiac arrest as the likely cause of death.

The family is currently awaiting the post-mortem report to confirm the exact cause of Ranjan's demise.

Singh noted that Ranjan's body is currently held in the mortuary at Port Rashid under police supervision.

Originally from Bihar Sharif in Nalanda district, Ranjan had been residing in Ranchi with his wife and two children for nearly twenty years.

Representatives from the shipping company visited the family recently, indicating that the legal procedures for the body’s release have commenced but are experiencing delays due to the three-day Eid holiday.