For the family members of 44-year-old naval engineer Suresh Patnala, who was among three Indian crew members who died in the US military strike on the Palau-flagged merchant ship MT Setibelo off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, it was heartbreaking – as they waited for him to arrive home in Visakhapatnam in a week to celebrate his 15th wedding anniversary.
News of the death of Suresh, who was serving as chief engineer on board the ship, reached the family at around 1pm on Thursday. Local police authorities also confirmed this.
“Though I received the message about the drone attack on the naval ship last night, the confirmation of my husband’s death was made at around 1 pm today,” Suresh’s wife, Bhargavi, told reporters in a choked voice.
The incident occurred when the ship was attacked in the waters near Oman, leading to a rescue operation in which the ship’s crew participated.
For Suresh’s wife, Bhargavi, and their two young sons, aged 13 and 10, this news came as a devastating shock. After spending five months at sea, Suresh had completed his contractual assignment and was preparing to return home. The family was anxiously counting the days until his arrival.
“We expect his arrival within a week. We are supposed to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary on June 24,” Bhargavi said.
Recalling the horrific hours that followed learning of the attack, Bhargavi said she received a phone call and message yesterday evening, informing her that there had been a drone attack on the ship and that three Indian crew members were missing.
“The first name they mentioned was my husband’s name,” she said. Desperate for information, Bhargavi began contacting company officials and searching for updates online.
It was reported that 21 crew members were rescued while three remained missing. As rescue efforts continued, reports emerged that the bodies of two more missing crew members had been recovered and identified.
“My husband was the only person still missing,” she recalls. “Since it was night, I was hoping the rescue operation would continue in the morning.”
Throughout the night and into the next day, Bhargavi remained in constant contact with company representatives, pressing them for updates as rescue teams continued their search.
“For my part, I continued to put pressure on them, and for their part, they continued their work as well,” she said.
Her worst fears were confirmed around 1pm the next day when officials informed her that Suresh’s body had been found. She added: “They could not officially confirm his death until they found the body. Until then, they continued searching.”
Now, Bhargavi is urging the authorities to speed up the formalities required to bring her husband’s remains home. She added: “The accident occurred yesterday morning, and more than 24 hours have passed. I ask them not to delay any longer and to complete all necessary procedures as soon as possible.”
A close family friend told reporters that Suresh was a dedicated maritime professional who spent years working on ships, often away from his family, to secure a better future for his wife and children. “His sudden death has left family, friends and colleagues struggling to come to terms with the loss,” he said.
Bhargavi said that officials at Andhra Bhavan are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and other authorities to facilitate the return of Suresh’s mortal remains to Visakhapatnam.
