Visakhapatnam Marine Engineer Suresh Patnala Among 3 Indians Killed In US Attack Near Oman Coast

Tragedy has struck a family in Andhra Pradesh after a native of Visakhapatnam reportedly lost his life in the recent US attack on a commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman.Three Indian nationals were killed in the incident. Among the deceased is Suresh Patnala, a resident of Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam district, who was serving as the Chief Marine Engineer on the ship.The development was reportedly confirmed to Suresh’s family members by officials at Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi. The news has left relatives, friends, and residents of the area in deep shock.Suresh is survived by his wife and two sons, aged 13 and 10. Further details regarding the repatriation of his mortal remains and official confirmation from relevant authorities are awaited.

Three Indians Killed In MT Settebello Attack

The Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it came under attack near the Gulf of Oman. According to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, 21 crew members were rescued, while three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing were later confirmed dead after recovery efforts.Among the victims was 23-year-old deck cadet Aditya Sharma from Hadeeta village in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district. Aditya had joined life at sea only six months ago. His family has appealed to authorities for the return of his mortal remains and sought an inquiry into the incident.

US Alleged Vessel Violated Iran Blockade

The attack on MT Settebello was carried out by the US Central Command, which alleged that the vessel had violated an American blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.Following the incident, India lodged a strong protest with the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers remains of "utmost importance" and stressed that such attacks must stop.

Third Vessel Attacked In Three Days

The Settebello strike was one of three attacks on commercial vessels reported near the Strait of Hormuz over a span of three days.Before the Settebello incident, another Palau-flagged tanker, MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. All crew members aboard that vessel were safely rescued by Omani authorities.A third vessel, MT Jalveer, also came under attack off the Oman coast. Officials said all 20 Indian seafarers on board were safe and no casualties or injuries were reported.

India Registers Strong Protest

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the three vessels involved were foreign-flagged ships, including two registered under the Palau flag and one under the Guinea flag.India summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and handed over a formal diplomatic protest over the Settebello strike. New Delhi also reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy, while stressing the need for free and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.