Visakhapatnam: The wife of late marine chief engineer Patnala Suresh has urged the state and Central governments to help bring back her husband’s body. Patnala Suresh was killed in a US military strike on a commercial oil tanker, MT Settebello, off the coast of Oman. The bereaved family, along with relatives and friends, have been running from pillar to post for information, but there has been no progress in facilitating the repatriation of the mortal remains.
Suresh’s wife, Bhargavi, has been sending emails and tweeting authorities, seeking assistance to bring the body to Visakhapatnam. Suresh was among three Indian crew members who lost their lives in the tragic incident on June 10. Suresh had spent nearly five months on the ship. Even five days after the attack, surviving crew members are reportedly confined to the vessel, along with the bodies of the deceased.
MLA Raises Issue with Chief Minister
Visakhapatnam West MLA P Ganababu said the matter has already been brought to the attention of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT minister Nara Lokesh, who have urged the external affairs ministry to expedite the process of bringing back Suresh’s mortal remains. “Suresh was an experienced professional with strong technical knowledge. I have requested authorities in Amaravati to pursue the matter with the external affairs ministry. We will make every effort to bring the body back at the earliest,” he said.
Wife Recounts Final Moments
Patnala Suresh's wife, Bhargavi, said her husband was preparing to return home when the incident occurred. “When we contacted the agency, World Maritime Energy Private Limited, they said the bodies can be taken out only once the vessel enters port limits, as per local authorities’ instructions. My husband’s luggage has been recovered and we have been informed,” she said.
Bhargavi, a mother of two, appealed to chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, and TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh to help in bringing back her husband’s mortal remains. She said there was no clarity when the family would receive the body.
District Authorities Face Challenges
District authorities said they are trying to obtain information from New Delhi, but it has been difficult as the ship remains in a conflict zone. The family continues to wait for the repatriation of Suresh’s remains.
