Suresh Patnala, a chief engineer from Visakhapatnam, was among three Indian crew members killed after the commercial tanker MT Settebello was struck off Oman’s coast on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Indian authorities confirmed on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that three Indian nationals aboard the vessel had died. Patnala, 44, was serving as chief engineer and had nearly two decades of experience at sea.

Suresh Patnala Was Expected to Return Home

Patnala’s family said he was expected to return to India the following week after nearly five months at sea. His wife, Bhargavi, said the family had been waiting to celebrate his 15th wedding anniversary.

She said he usually began each day with a “Good morning” message, but no message arrived on the morning of the strike. His final message the previous night, she recalled, was: “Good night. Take care of the children.”

Patnala is survived by his wife, two sons, parents and a sister.

Family Seeks Answers and Repatriation Support

According to his family, Patnala had received his relieving letter and was waiting for a replacement before returning home. They said he had initially joined the vessel for a short assignment but remained on board because of his technical expertise.

The family said they were told he had gone to inspect a reported generator issue when the strike occurred. They are now seeking clear official information, recovery of his mortal remains and faster repatriation procedures.

Officials from the Indian Embassy in Oman and Andhra Pradesh Bhavan are coordinating assistance, according to the family.

Why the MT Settebello Deaths Matter

The deaths have renewed attention on the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on commercial vessels in conflict-prone waters. For Patnala’s family in Visakhapatnam, the issue is also deeply personal: a husband and father who was preparing to return home is now at the center of a painful search for answers.