Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu) pays tributes to chief engineer Patnala Suresh, who was killed in an attack off the Oman coast, at his residence in Srinivas Nagar, Visakhapatnam, on Friday after his mortal 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 an attack on the oil tanker MT Settebello off the Oman coast on June 10, arrived in the city on Friday (June 19, 2026).
Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu) paid floral tributes to Suresh at his residence in Srinivas Nagar, and conveyed 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, was serving as chief engineer aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello and was among three Indian crew members who died in the attack near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members at the time.
The MLA said he had been coordinating with officials for the early transport of the body to Visakhapatnam. 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 by grief as the city bid an emotional farewell to the marine officer.
Andhra Pradesh’s seafarers in the line of fire
Suresh’s death drew attention to the thousands of Indian seafarers caught in the conflict in the Persian Gulf. His was one of three vessels carrying Indian crews attacked in the Gulf of Oman within days: the MT Marivex was struck on June 8, with all 24 Indians aboard rescued, and the MT Jalveer was targeted near Shinas port on June 11, with all 20 Indian crew evacuated safely.
India supplies an estimated 12% to 15% of the world’s seafarers, and Andhra Pradesh contributes a large share. After the Settebello strike, India summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires and lodged a formal protest, and Minister for NRI Empowerment and Relations Kondapalli Srinivas said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had directed officials to extend all possible help to the family.
Published – June 19, 2026 12:50 pm IST
