A marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has been confirmed dead after a US military attack on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, on Wednesday. Chief Engineer Suresh Patnala was one of three Indian seafarers killed in the incident, which has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders in Andhra Pradesh.

The Attack and the Victims

The MT Settebello, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, was attacked by the US military after the vessel allegedly attempted to violate a blockade imposed by the United States. All three Indian sailors who were initially reported missing following the incident have since been confirmed dead.

The other two Indians killed were Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma from Himachal Pradesh and Engine Fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya from Uttar Pradesh. The attack took place near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most heavily trafficked maritime corridors.

Suresh Patnala's Family Left in Shock

The tragedy has plunged Suresh Patnala's family into deep grief. He is survived by his wife and two sons, aged 13 and 10. Relatives and neighbours in Visakhapatnam have been left devastated by the news, according to reports.

Jagan Mohan Reddy Expresses Anguish

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday expressed his anguish over the loss. In a statement issued by the party, Reddy said the death of three Indian lives in this incident is distressing, and that the fact that Suresh Patnala from Andhra Pradesh was among the victims is 'deeply saddening.' He described the untimely death of the marine engineer as 'truly unfortunate' and noted that 'the anguish faced by Suresh's family is beyond words.'

Reddy conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that they receive the strength to bear the tragedy.

Former MP Urges Jaishankar to Intervene

Former Member of Parliament V. Vijayasai Reddy also responded to the incident on Friday, stating: 'Unfortunate that 3 Indian seafarers have lost their lives in a conflict that was never ours. With over 3 lakh Indians employed in the global maritime industry, ensuring their safety is of utmost importance.'

He urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to reach out to the countries involved in the conflict and secure safeguards for Indian crew members operating in high-risk maritime regions. The appeal underscores growing concern over the vulnerability of Indian workers in active conflict zones at sea.

Broader Context

This comes amid heightened tensions in the Arabian Sea and around the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil trade passes. The deaths of three Indian seafarers in what is described as a US military interdiction operation raise pressing questions about the protections available to civilian maritime workers caught in geopolitical conflict. India's maritime workforce — one of the largest in the world — remains exposed to such risks with limited diplomatic safeguards in place.