Three Indian Sailors Killed in US Military Strike Near Oman Coast

Visakhapatnam, June 12: A tragic incident occurred near the coast of Oman, where a US military strike on an oil tanker resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors, including a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The attack has plunged the families of the deceased into mourning.

According to reports, the attack took place on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settabello, close to the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The victims included Chief Engineer Pattanala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, and Engine Fitter Shivanand Chaurasia.

Initially, all three sailors were reported missing after the incident, but later confirmation revealed that their bodies had been recovered.

Pattanala Suresh, a resident of Visakhapatnam, leaves behind his wife Bhargavi and two sons aged 13 and 10. Bhargavi recounted that she received news on Wednesday night about a drone strike on the ship where Suresh was employed, leading to the disappearance of him and two other crew members.

She stated that she had been in constant contact with the company and relevant authorities. The Dubai-based office informed her that a rescue operation was underway. While 21 crew members were safely rescued, three remained unaccounted for.

Late on Wednesday night, Bhargavi learned through online reports that the bodies of two missing crew members had been found, but there was still no news about Suresh. By Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed the recovery of his body.

Bhargavi has appealed to the Indian embassy and relevant authorities to expedite all formalities so that her husband’s remains can be sent back to India for his final rites.

Meanwhile, Suresh’s father, Pattanala Ramakrishna Rao, has demanded that officials share a photo of the deceased immediately. He expressed frustration over the lack of official communication, stating that the family has been seeking information since morning without any updates.

The family is also requesting financial assistance from the government, emphasizing that Suresh was the sole breadwinner and responsible for his wife and two children.