Mortal remains of Patnala Suresh, killed in MT Settebello attack, reach Visakhapatnam

Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA PGVR Naidu (Ganababu) pays tribute to Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, who was killed in an attack off the Oman coast on Friday after his remains were brought home. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The mortal remains of Patnala Suresh, a marine engineer from Sriharipuram in Visakhapatnam who was killed in the attack on the oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman on June 10, arrived in the city on Friday (June 19, 2026).

Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA PGVR Naidu (Ganababu) paid floral tributes to Suresh at his Srinivas Nagar residence and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. He met the engineer’s wife, children and parents and assured them of all possible support from the government.

Suresh, 44, served as chief engineer aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello and was among three Indian crew members killed in the attack near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members at the time.

The MLA said he coordinated with officials to transport the body to Visakhapatnam soon. He assured the family that eligible assistance would be extended quickly.

Residents, public representatives and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects as the remains were brought home. Srinivas Nagar was marked with grief as the city bid an emotional farewell to the naval officer.

Andhra Pradesh sailors in the firing line

Suresh’s death drew attention to the thousands of Indian sailors caught up in the Gulf conflict. His was one of three vessels with Indian crews attacked in the Gulf of Oman in a matter of days: MT Marivex was hit on 8 June, with all 24 Indians on board rescued, and MT Jalveer was targeted near the port of Shinas on 11 June, with all 20 Indian crew safely evacuated.

India supplies an estimated 12-15% of the world’s seafarers, with Andhra Pradesh contributing a large share. After the Settebello strike, India summoned the US chargé d’affaires and filed a formal protest, and Minister for Empowerment and NRI Relations Kondapalli Srinivas said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the family.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 12:50 PM IST