Vizag-based marine engineer died in US strike on vessel, days before his 15th wedding anniversary

The family of Suresh Patnala, a 44-year-old marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, is mourning his death after he was killed in a US military strike on the commercial vessel MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. Patnala was one of three Indian crew members who perished in the attack.

“

Though I had received the message about the drone attack on the marine ship yesterday night itself, the confirmation about my husband’s death was made at around 1 pm this afternoon.

His wife, Bhargavi, received the devastating news on Thursday afternoon, just a week before they were scheduled to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on June 24. Patnala had been at sea for five months and was preparing to return home to his wife and their two young sons, aged 13 and 10.

“

We are expecting his arrival in a week. We are supposed to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary on June 24.

Bhargavi recounted the harrowing hours after learning about the drone attack on the vessel. She initially received a message that three Indian crew members were missing, with her husband's name being the first mentioned. She spent the night in constant contact with company officials, desperately seeking updates as rescue efforts continued.

“

The first name they mentioned was my husband’s.

Her worst fears were confirmed around 1 p.m. the following day when officials informed her that Suresh's body had been recovered. The family is now urging authorities to expedite the necessary formalities to bring his remains home, emphasizing that over 24 hours have passed since the incident.

“

My husband was the only one still missing. Since it was night, I hoped the rescue operation would continue in the morning.