Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 13: Tragedy struck a Mumbai family as marine engineer Devanandan Prasad Singh, in his mid-50s, lost his life in a drone attack on a crude oil tanker near Iraq. Singh, who had moved from Bihar to Kandivali East in 2019 with his wife and two children, was serving as the additional chief engineer on the US-owned tanker Safesea Vishnu.
Officials confirmed that the tanker was hit by an underwater drone strike claimed by Iran amid ongoing US-Iran tensions in the Middle East. The attack caused a massive fire on board, critically injuring Singh. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries, while 15 other Indian crew members were rescued safely.
Maritime authorities and the shipping company have extended condolences and pledged full support to Singh’s family. The Indian Embassy in Baghdad confirmed the casualty and is coordinating with the family and local authorities.
The incident comes amid heightened risks in the Persian Gulf, where Iran has warned it would target vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. The US-Israel military campaign and Iran’s retaliatory measures have escalated threats to international shipping in the region.
Singh’s family is reportedly devastated by the loss of the father and husband, while authorities continue investigations into the attack.