A marine engineer from Bihar, Devanandan Prasad Singh, has lost his life following an attack on a US-flagged cargo ship near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The incident has left his family devastated as they seek assistance from the government to repatriate his remains. Singh, also known as Pappu Ji, hailed from Rani Bamiyan village in Bhagalpur district and was aboard the vessel during the attack on March 11.

Details of the Attack

At the time of the assault, the cargo ship was carrying 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha. The attack was executed using an unmanned explosive-laden speedboat that was launched from an Iranian submarine, resulting in a catastrophic explosion aboard the ship. Singh was serving as a marine engineer and had been a part of the American shipping company Bravo Ship Management since 1994, where he held the position of vice chairman.

Rescue Operations Following the Explosion

In the aftermath of the explosion, rescue operations were quickly initiated to extract the crew from the damaged vessel. There were 28 crew members on board at the time, consisting of 16 Indian nationals and 12 from the Philippines. The Iraqi Coast Guard played a crucial role in facilitating the rescue and ensured the safety of the surviving crew. Unfortunately, Singh was already deceased by the time help arrived.

Family Bereavement in Bihar

The news of Singh’s death has cast a pall of sorrow over his native village in Bihar. Upon learning of the tragedy, relatives and neighbors congregated at the family home in Bhagalpur district to express their condolences. His sister, Parvati Devi, was visibly distraught as family members grappled with the overwhelming grief. The atmosphere was somber, filled with mourning as the villagers gathered, reflecting on Singh’s long career at sea.

Appeal for Assistance to Bring Home the Body

In the wake of the tragedy, Singh’s family members, including his wife and brother, have traveled to Delhi to liaise with government officials about the process of returning his body to India. They have made a heartfelt appeal for the government’s support in ensuring that his mortal remains are brought back home. The family expressed a desire to see Singh one last time before conducting the final rites. The event has transformed an international conflict into a poignant personal loss for the small village, as they await the return of a beloved member who perished far from home.

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