LUCKNOW: Shivanand Chaursia, a resident of Surauli village in Deoria district of eastern UP, was among the three Indian sailors who were confirmed dead after a US military strike targeted the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Chaurasia was initially reported to be missing after the attack by the US Navy, but later all the three seafarers were confirmed dead by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Shivanand, 31, has left behind two kids — a 5-year-old son Rajveer and 2-year-old daughter Vanika. Shivanand, the elder of two brothers, had left home nearly six months ago to work aboard the Singapore-managed vessel little knowing the fact that it would prove to be his last voyage. Now the inconsolable family and loved ones are waiting for the mortal remains.
Rajveer and Vanika sat silently beside each other, too young to understand the tragedy. The two children looked around in confusion as their mother wailed inconsolably, moving in and out of consciousness amid a room full of heartbroken family.
The tanker attacked by the US forces was carrying 24 Indian crew members at the time of the strike. While 21 sailors were rescued, Shivanand and two others lost their lives in the incident, turning what had begun as an ordinary work assignment into an tragedy beyond imagination for the families.
Shivanand's family got the news through his younger brother Ram Pravesh Chaurasia who works in Dubai. He was informed by the authorities and on Thursday morning, he called up home and informed the family about the incident.
Talking to media persons, father Ramji Chaurasia found it impossible to contain himself. "He was a welder on the ship and had joined around six months back. This was his first overseas tour. We were informed about his death by my younger son, who works in Dubai," said an inconsolable Ramji.
The loss has left a deep void in the family. Shivanand is survived by his parents -- Ramji Chaurasia and Kalawati Devi, wife Sushila, besides the two kids. As news of the tragedy spread, villagers and residents from nearby areas gathered at the Chaurasia home to offer condolences.
The deaths have sparked strong reactions in India, with the government summoning the US charge d'affaires and lodged a strong protest after the attack on MT Settebello while directing officials to facilitate the return of the rescued crew members as well as the mortal remains of the deceased sailors.
