Indian Marine Engineer Devnandan Prasad Singh died in a drone attack on an oil tanker amid the ongoing US-Iran tension in the Middle East. Singh was a resident of Kandivali East in Mumbai and was working as additional chief engineer on a US-owned crude oil tanker. After the attack, there was a massive explosion and fire in the ship, in which he was seriously injured.
Singh had settled in Mumbai from Bihar
Devanandan Prasad Singh, about 50 years old, had settled in Mumbai from Bihar with his family in 2019. He is survived by his wife and two children. As a marine engineer, he worked at sea with small crews on cargo ships and was responsible for the technical operation of the ships.
Drone attack on oil tanker near Iraq
Two days ago, an oil tanker near Iraq was attacked by an underwater drone. In the video of the explosion, a large ball of fire was seen rising in the darkness of the night. Officials confirmed that an Indian sailor had died in the attack.
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Were deployed on American owned tanker
According to officials, Devanandan Prasad Singh was posted as Additional Chief Engineer (Superintendent) on a US-owned crude oil tanker. This ship was sailing in the Persian Gulf.
Iran claimed attack on two ships
Amid the ongoing US-Iran war in the Middle East, Iran had claimed a coordinated underwater drone attack on two ships in the Persian Gulf. One of these ships was the crude oil tanker ‘Safesea Vishnu’, on which Singh was working as an engineer.
Died after serious injuries
Singh suffered serious injuries after the attack. According to officials, he died during treatment. 15 other Indians present on the ship were rescued safely from the burning vessel.
Investigation started, company expressed grief
As soon as information about the incident was received, maritime agencies and concerned authorities have started the formal process to investigate the circumstances of the attack on the oil tanker. The management and other stakeholders of the shipping company have condoled the demise of Singh and assured all possible help to his family. The company has said that the remaining crew members of the ship are safe and are being taken care of. The Indian Embassy in Baghdad had confirmed the death on the day of the attack.
Iran has already given warning regarding Hormuz Strait
Iran had already warned that it could target ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This is the same sea route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. There is constant tension in the region due to US-Israeli military operations and Iran’s retaliatory attacks.
