‘I will come home safely’: Indian sailor’s last words to wife before a US strike killed him
'I will come home safely': Indian sailor's last words to wife before a US strike killed him
I will come home safely - Patnala Bhargavi remembers her husband's final words: "I will return home safely." Now, he's gone after a US strike in the Gulf of Oman, leaving her to grapple with a future without him. The couple had planned to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary this month, but that milestone now feels out of reach.
A family's grief
Three Indian sailors lost their lives when the US military struck the MT Settebello, an oil tanker, near the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday. Suresh, a marine engineer, was among the victims. His family, scattered across India, mourns the loss deeply, with his wife Bhargavi focused on the promise he made before the attack.
"There have been attacks in this area and some people have been killed. But don't worry about me. I'll come home safely, and we'll celebrate our anniversary properly,"
Bhargavi recalls him saying. She now struggles to reconcile this assurance with the reality of his death. Suresh had spent around 15 years at sea, often choosing work over extended family time. His father, Ramakrishna, noted his dedication to his profession, explaining that Suresh preferred to stay on the water rather than take time off.
The family had grown used to his frequent absences, relying on video calls to stay connected. But communication broke down in early June, prompting Bhargavi to worry. She initially thought the issue was a technical one, as the crew were stationed far from home. Two days passed before she learned of the strike that claimed his life.
Geopolitical tensions and unanswered questions
The US justified the attack as part of its campaign to block Iran-linked shipping, claiming the MT Settebello had ignored warnings and was carrying Iranian oil. However, the vessel's managers dispute this, asserting the ship had no ties to Iran and received no prior notice. Despite the loss, 21 crew members were rescued, raising questions about the strike's outcome.
Bhargavi's sorrow extends beyond her own loss, as the incident has shaken Indian communities nationwide. From her home in Visakhapatnam to villages hundreds of kilometers away, families mourn loved ones who ventured to sea. Many seek clarity about the strike's circumstances and await the return of the sailors' bodies.
Government action and personal toll
India has expressed strong concerns to Washington, summoning a senior diplomat and demanding an end to attacks on commercial ships. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed efforts to bring the bodies back, calling the deaths a "profound loss" for the maritime community. For Bhargavi, the emotional weight is immense, as she now faces the challenge of supporting her family without her husband's income.
She has also called for financial aid, highlighting Suresh's role as the household's sole provider. His legacy lives on through two sons and two nieces he helped raise after Bhargavi's sister and brother-in-law passed away. "The entire family depended on his income. Now I don't know how I'll educate or raise the children,"
"Bhargavi says.
Other families in mourning
Across the country, the deaths of the other two sailors echo the grief of Bhargavi's family. In Hamirpur district, Aditya Sharma's parents mourn the loss of their only son, demanding his body be returned and a full account of his final moments. His father, Rajesh Sharma, questioned why the three sailors couldn't be rescued like the others.
Over 1,000km away in Deoria, Shivanand Chaurasia's family faces similar sorrow. A fitter by trade, Chaurasia had left home to work, and his absence has left a void in their lives. The incident has united Indian families in mourning, as they await answers and the return of their loved ones' remains.