Andhra Pradesh CM assures all support to family of marine engineer killed in US attack
Amaravati, June 12
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that the death of Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh in a missile attack on a ship off the coast of Oman has deeply saddened him and assured his family that the state government will extend all possible support.
The Chief Minister stated that he has already instructed the authorities to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and Omani officials to bring Suresh's mortal remains back to the homeland.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, a native of Visakhapatnam, in a missile attack on a ship off the coast of Oman. It is unfortunate that he lost his life while performing his duties in such an unexpected attack. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Suresh's family and assure them that the State Government will provide all possible support. We have already instructed officials to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and Omani authorities to bring Suresh's mortal remains back home," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has also termed the death of marine engineer Patnala Suresh in the attack by US forces as "shocking".
"It is deeply distressing that Mr Patnala Suresh, a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, tragically lost his life in an attack carried out by US forces on an Indian vessel. The news of his death in this incident, which occurred off the coast of Oman, is shocking," posted the Jana Sena leader.
"This event, taking place amidst the tense situation in West Asia, is truly unfortunate. I pray to the Almighty for peace to his soul and extend my deepest condolences to his family. The government stands in support of the family," he added.
Earlier, Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh said that he is 'deeply shocked and devastated' over the death of marine engineer Patnala Suresh in the attack on an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz.
The national working president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) requested the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite all formalities to bring his mortal remains home immediately and extend necessary support to his family during this "unimaginably dark time."
Suresh was one of the three Indian seafarers killed in the US attack on the vessel on Wednesday.
The Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello was attacked off the coast of Oman, near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
All three Indian sailors who were initially reported missing following the incident have been confirmed dead.
Deck cadet Aditya Sharma and engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya are the other two Indians killed in the attack, which was carried out by the US military after the vessel allegedly attempted to violate a blockade imposed by the US.
The tragedy has left Suresh's family here in deep shock. He is survived by his wife and two sons, aged 13 and 10.
The family has appealed to authorities to immediately arrange for the transportation of his mortal remains.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is heartbreaking. A family has lost their husband and father. The CM's assurance of support is good, but why weren't there better protections for Indian sailors in conflict zones? We need to prioritize the safety of our citizens working abroad.
Heartfelt condolences to the family. But I must say, the timing of this attack is suspicious - right when tensions are high in West Asia. Our sailors should not be caught in the crossfire of superpower conflicts. The Central Government needs to ensure swift repatriation of the bodies and also seek compensation from the US. 🙏
While I appreciate the CM's response, this incident raises serious questions about the safety of Indian sailors in conflict zones. How many more have to die before we take concrete action? The US should also be held accountable for this tragedy.
Such a waste of a life. 😢 His poor wife and two young sons... at 13 and 10, they'll grow up without a father. The government should provide them with a job for the wife and free education for the children. That's the least we can do for a brave sailor who died serving our nation.
Deeply disturbed by this news. But I would like to know the full facts - why did the US military attack an Indian vessel? Was it a mistake? Was the ship warned? This is not just about one family - it's about the safety of all Indian seafarers in international waters. We need a thorough investigation.
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