The family of a Pakistani seaman killed aboard an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz is desperately seeking the repatriation of his mortal remains. The deceased seafarer, thirty-four-year-old marine engineer Muhammad Hammad Obaida, lost his life during a violent strike on September 13. The Panama-flagged oil tanker MT El Gaia came under attack off the coast of Oman, triggering a devastating engine room fire. However, nearly a month after the incident, his grieving family in Karachi continues to wait for official assistance regarding his body’s return.
Hammad’s family only discovered the tragic incident weeks later after being informed by one of his colleagues on September 26. The late engineer leaves behind an elderly mother, a three-year-old son, and a pregnant widow expecting their second child. His family expressed immense grief while pleading with government authorities to help facilitate a respectful burial for the slain seaman.
According to Foreign Office officials, the severely disfigured bodies of a Pakistani and an Indian seafarer remain in an Omani hospital mortuary. Identification has faced significant delays because official DNA testing is required to distinguish the remains before foreign repatriation can occur. However, the family stated that no Pakistani authority has collected a official DNA sample from them to expedite the identification process. Consequently, Hammad’s brother continues reaching out to diplomatic channels and international counterparts to resolve the bureaucratic stalemate quickly.
Writing multiple letters to the Ministry of FA and Pakistan Embassy in Oman, the family received no clear updates. Local government officials in Sindh acknowledged awareness of the situation but have not provided concrete timelines for the body’s return. Hammad’s younger brother remains in contact with the family of the deceased Indian crew member, who faces identical administrative hurdles. Therefore, both grieving families urge their respective diplomatic missions to prioritize collecting DNA samples and expediting cross-border paperwork.
The heartbroken family remains focused on bringing Hammad home to give him a dignified final farewell surrounded by loved ones. The tragic loss highlights the severe security risks faced by international merchant mariners navigating high-conflict maritime routes. Until the required DNA testing completes, the family continues their daily appeal for government intervention and immediate repatriation support.