Andhra Pradesh CM assures all support to family of marine engineer killed in US attack
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.
