The body of Gurpreet Singh Bath, a Merchant Navy sailor from Panjeto village in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, who lost his life in a devastating missile strike near Ukraine’s Odesa Port, will now be identified through DNA testing, as the intensity of the explosion left several victims’ bodies burnt beyond recognition.

According to family members, the tragedy unfolded on July 19, when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel MV Golden Leo came under a cruise missile attack shortly after departing from Odesa Port amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The missile strike caused a massive explosion that engulfed parts of the vessel, killing four Indian crew members, including Gurpreet Singh Bath, and seriously injuring another Indian sailor.

Reports indicate that 10 people, including Syrian nationals, lost their lives in the attack.The family said the blast was so powerful that many bodies were charred beyond recognition, making conventional identification impossible.

In view of the circumstances, the shipping company has initiated the process of identifying the deceased through DNA profiling before their mortal remains can be handed over to their families.

Gurpreet’s maternal uncle, Amrik Singh, said the company contacted the family and requested a DNA sample to facilitate the identification process.

Following the request, Gurpreet’s father, Kirtan Singh, provided his DNA sample. Once laboratory testing is completed, the report will be shared electronically with the shipping company and the concerned authorities. The body will be formally identified only after the DNA profile matches, following which the repatriation process to India will begin.

The family expressed hope that the procedure would be completed at the earliest so that Gurpreet’s last rites could be performed in his native village.

The bereaved family also voiced disappointment over what they described as the absence of official support following the tragedy.

They claimed that no government representative had visited their home to offer condolences or explain the efforts being made to bring the sailor’s body back to India.

Appealing to the Central and Haryana governments, the family urged authorities to expedite the repatriation of Gurpreet’s mortal remains and provide financial assistance and other necessary support to help them cope with the loss.

Gurpreet was the only son of his parents and the principal earning member of the family. About 18 months ago, he got married, and he is survived by his wife and a six-month-old son.

His responsibilities increased significantly after his father, Kirtan Singh, lost a leg in a road accident in 2016, forcing Gurpreet to shoulder the family’s financial burden at a young age.

His untimely death has devastated the family and plunged Panjeto village into mourning. Friends, relatives and villagers continue to gather at the family home, offering condolences while hoping that his mortal remains will soon be brought back to India for a final farewell.

 POD/DESK