Visakhapatnam/New Delhi, 11 June (H.S.): A marine engineer from Visakhapatnam was among the three Indian crew members killed following the strike on merchant vessel MT Marivex off the Oman coast, according to family members and Andhra Pradesh Bhavan officials.

Chief Engineer Suresh Patnaala, 44, a resident of Visakhapatnam, was confirmed among the deceased, Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Commissioner Arja Srikanth said on Thursday.

The death of the marine engineer has left his family devastated. Suresh is survived by his wife Bhargavi and two sons aged 13 and 10.

Speaking to reporters, Bhargavi said her husband was looking forward to returning home after nearly five months at sea and celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary on June 24.

He had already received his relieving letter and was waiting for a replacement before returning home, family members said.

According to relatives, marine engineering was not merely a profession for Suresh but a passion he pursued with dedication for many years.

The merchant vessel MT Marivex came under attack near the Oman coast earlier this week. While all 24 Indian crew members were initially reported rescued, subsequent reports confirmed casualties among the crew. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday confirmed that three Indian sailors had lost their lives in the incident.

The Government of India is closely monitoring developments and remains in touch with the families of the deceased seafarers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar