US attack near Strait of Hormuz claims UP sailor’s life:Wife collapses, grieving family recalls last phone call

Shivanand Chaurasia (38), a resident of Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, was killed in an American attack near the Strait of Hormuz while working aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel MT Settebello. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has confirmed the death. Shivanand was employed as an engine fitter on the ship and had been working overseas for the past nine months. Reports said the vessel was passing through waters near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday when the attack took place, resulting in his death. The Indian Embassy in Oman informed Shivanand’s younger brother, Ram Pravesh Chaurasia, who lives in Dubai, about the incident on Thursday morning. He later conveyed the news to the family in Deoria. As soon as the family received the information, grief spread through the household. Shivanand’s mother and wife were left devastated by the news. Shivanand’s father, Ramji Chaurasia, said his son used to call home every day. The family last spoke to him on June 8, when he talked to his father and wife for nearly 20 minutes. According to the family, Shivanand had told them that his ship was anchored near the coast of Oman and that he would soon return to India. Ramji Chaurasia said contact with his son was lost after that conversation when his mobile phone suddenly became unreachable. “The whole family was waiting for Shivanand to return home,” he said. Fighting back tears, the grieving father added, “A mountain of sorrow has fallen upon our family.” See 2 photos Wife faints after hearing of husband’s death Shivanand Chaurasia was a resident of Surauli village in Deoria district’s Surauli police station area. He was the elder of two brothers. His family includes his father Ramji Chaurasia, mother Kalavati Devi, wife Sushila, five-year-old son Rajveer and two-year-old daughter Vanika. The news of his death left the family devastated. His wife Sushila has been inconsolable and is repeatedly losing consciousness. His parents are struggling to cope with the loss and have been in tears since receiving the news. Family members said Shivanand had been working in difficult conditions abroad to secure a better future for his family. He was the sole breadwinner, supporting household expenses and his children’s education. Family informed by Indian Embassy According to the family, the Indian Embassy informed them that a bombing near the Strait of Hormuz had claimed Shivanand’s life. He was reportedly aboard a vessel travelling from Oman towards India when the attack occurred. Villagers seek government support for family Residents of the village have urged the government to provide financial assistance to the bereaved family and offer a job to one of its members. They said Shivanand’s death has left the family facing severe hardship. Family members have also appealed for his body to be brought back to the village at the earliest so that his last rites can be performed with full honours. Village mourns as family awaits mortal remains News of Shivanand’s death plunged Surauli village into grief. By Thursday afternoon, relatives, neighbours and villagers had gathered at his home to offer condolences to the family. Officials from the tehsil administration and local authorities also visited the family and expressed their sympathies. Authorities said formal procedures related to the incident abroad are underway. Efforts are being made through the Indian Embassy and other agencies to bring Shivanand’s body back to India. Administration assures all possible assistance Deoria District Magistrate Madhusudan Hulgi said the district administration is coordinating with the state and central governments to assist the family. “We are in touch with the state government and the Government of India. All possible assistance will be provided to the family. The district administration stands with them,” he said. Tanker damaged in attack near Hormuz The oil tanker MT Settebello, on which Shivanand was deployed, came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Three Indian crew members were confirmed dead in the incident. The vessel also suffered damage during the attack. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the bodies of two victims had been recovered so far. Two vessels with Indian crew attacked in three days Two oil tankers carrying Indian crew members have come under attack within the past three days. The first incident took place on June 8 when tanker MT Marivex was attacked. The vessel had 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians. All crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Omani authorities. A second attack took place on June 10 on MT Settebello, which was carrying 24 crew members. Three Indian deaths have been confirmed in that incident. India has strongly condemned the attack and lodged a formal protest with US authorities. Video of US attack on MT Settebello..