Vizag Man Among 3 Indians Killed in US Air Strike on Oil Tanker off Oman
The US Central Command has acknowledged the strike, saying the vessel violated the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
Visakhapatnam: A 44-year-old marine engineer from Visakhapatnam is among the three Indian crew members killed in a US military strike on a Palau-flagged oil tanker – The Settebello – off the Oman coast, family members and Andhra Pradesh Bhavan officials have confirmed on Thursday. According to AP Bhavan commissioner Arja Srikanth, the three are chief engineer Suresh Patnaala, deck cadet Aditya Sharma from Himachal Pradesh and engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasia of Uttar Pradesh. Suresh had been looking forward to celebrating his 15th marriage anniversary on June 24, his grieving widow Bhargavi said.
The US Central Command has acknowledged the strike, saying the vessel violated the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
“We four have now become three,” Suresh's widow Bhargavi told reporters, describing the impact of the tragedy on the family. She said their two sons, aged 13 years and 10 years, have been inconsolable since learning about their father's death. According to the family, Suresh had already received his relieving letter and had been awaiting a replacement before returning home after nearly five months at sea.
The Embassy of India in Oman is expected to coordinate with local authorities, the shipping company, and other relevant agencies to facilitate documentation, repatriation, and assistance to the affected family.
