Deoria Seafarer Among Three Indians Killed in Oman Tanker Strike: Family’s Dreams Shattered by Tragedy

“He told us not to worry and said he would be home soon.” Those were the final words Ramji Chaurasia heard from his eldest son, Shivanand, just two days before tragedy struck.

For the 70-year-old resident of Sirauli village in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, that brief phone call has now become a painful memory.

His 37-year-old son, Shivanand Chaurasia, who was serving as an Engine Petty Officer (Fitter) aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello, was among the three Indian seafarers who lost their lives after the vessel came under a US military strike off the coast of Oman earlier this week.

A New Job That Brought Hope to the Family

The Chaurasia family had been living with growing anxiety for weeks as tensions escalated in the Gulf region amid the Iran-US-Israel conflict.

Yet they remained hopeful that Shivanand, who had secured a better-paying maritime job only months ago, would return safely.

Ramji recalled the excitement that swept through the family when his son informed them in November last year that he had been selected to work aboard an oil tanker.

Until then, Shivanand had been employed as a welder in Pune, striving to support his family through modest earnings.

Before leaving for Mumbai to join the vessel, he made sure to visit his ancestral home in Sirauli, located a few kilometres from Deoria town.

On December 5, he departed for Singapore to begin his new assignment at sea.

“He Spoke to His Wife and Children Two Days Ago”

Fighting back tears, Ramji recounted the family’s last interaction with Shivanand.

“It had been more than six months since we had seen him. Just two days ago, he called his wife, Sushila, and spoke lovingly with his children. He reassured us that he would be returning soon,” he said.

Shivanand leaves behind his wife, 31-year-old Sushila, six-year-old son Samar and two-year-old daughter Vamika.

According to family members, everyone had been concerned about the worsening situation in the Gulf, where reports of attacks on commercial vessels had become increasingly frequent.

Younger Brother Learned of the Incident First

The devastating news first reached the family through Shivanand’s younger brother, Ram Pravesh, who recently moved to Dubai for work—a job opportunity that Shivanand himself had helped arrange.

Ramji said his younger son called around 8 a.m. on Thursday after learning about the attack on the tanker.

Initial reports suggested that Shivanand was missing. Hours later, the family’s worst fears were confirmed when authorities informed them that he had died in the strike.

“My wife Kalawati and Shivanand’s wife have been inconsolable ever since,” Ramji said.

Years of Sacrifice End in Heartbreak

For the Chaurasia family, Shivanand was much more than a son—he was their primary source of hope.

The family owns only a small piece of agricultural land that generates limited income.

Determined to improve their circumstances, Shivanand left home years ago and worked tirelessly as a welder before securing employment in the shipping industry.

“He always put the family first,” Ramji said. “Recently, he helped arrange his sister’s marriage and also assisted his younger brother in finding work abroad.”

Belonging to a lower middle-class household, the family had begun to believe that their financial struggles were finally easing.

“We thought our difficult days were behind us after he got this job. We were hopeful about the future. Now everything has collapsed,” his father said, breaking down.

Limited Official Contact So Far

When asked whether any government representatives had reached out to the family, Ramji said only two local police personnel had visited the house to collect information.

“No senior official has met us yet. Only two constables came and noted down our details,” he said.

Village Mourns the Loss of a Hardworking Son

Neighbours and villagers remember Shivanand as a hardworking and humble man who began earning at a young age to support his family.

Ramsheshwar Shahi, who lives next door, said Shivanand worked in engineering workshops in Deoria during his teenage years and later balanced employment with helping his father in the fields.

“He was sincere, responsible and deeply devoted to his family. Everyone in the village was delighted when he secured the ship job because we thought his family’s condition would improve. His death has left the entire village in shock,” Shahi said.

Administration Assures Support

Deoria District Magistrate Madhusudan Hulgi said the administration is in constant contact with the bereaved family and is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs through the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the repatriation of Shivanand’s mortal remains.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to the family during this difficult time,” the District Magistrate said.

The death of Shivanand Chaurasia has not only left a family devastated but has also highlighted the human cost of escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

For his loved ones in Deoria, the man who set sail in search of a better future will now return home in a way they never imagined.