NEW DELHI, July 20: Four Indian nationals serving as crew members aboard a merchant vessel lost their lives after the ship came under attack while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Monday. Another Indian sailor sustained serious injuries and is receiving medical treatment, while Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
According to the MEA, the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo was carrying a total of 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals, when it was attacked on the evening of July 19 shortly after leaving Odesa, a major Black Sea port that has frequently been affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The ministry stated that preliminary information indicates four Indian crew members were killed, while the fifth Indian national remains hospitalised in critical condition. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially disclosed, as authorities are coordinating with their families and the shipping company.
India Expresses Condolences
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed hope for the recovery of the injured sailor.
The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is actively coordinating with local authorities, the shipping operator, and other relevant agencies to provide every possible assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Officials added that diplomatic channels remain engaged to ensure necessary support for the surviving crew members and facilitate communication with the victims’ families in India.
Strong Condemnation of Attack on Commercial Shipping
India strongly criticised the attack, stressing that commercial vessels and civilian seafarers should never become targets during armed conflicts.
The MEA reiterated that attacks on merchant shipping not only threaten innocent lives but also disrupt international maritime trade and freedom of navigation, both of which are vital for global commerce.
The ministry described such incidents as unacceptable and called for greater protection of civilian maritime operations in conflict zones.
No Attribution for the Strike
While confirming the incident, the Indian government did not specify which side was responsible for the attack.
The vessel was reportedly sailing from Odesa, a strategic Ukrainian port that has witnessed repeated missile and drone strikes since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. The region remains one of the most sensitive maritime corridors in the Black Sea, where commercial shipping continues under heightened security risks.
Embassy Monitoring Developments
The Indian mission in Ukraine has been instructed to remain in close contact with local officials and the shipping company as investigations into the attack continue.
Officials said every effort is being made to assist the injured crew member, support the surviving sailors, and facilitate all necessary consular services for the families of the deceased.
The government is also expected to coordinate with the shipping company regarding the repatriation of the victims and further developments arising from the incident.
Conflict Continues to Threaten Maritime Safety
The tragedy comes against the backdrop of intensified military activity between Russia and Ukraine, where attacks on ports and maritime infrastructure have increased in recent months.
Despite international efforts to keep commercial sea routes operational, merchant vessels navigating the Black Sea continue to face significant risks due to ongoing hostilities.
The latest incident highlights the growing dangers faced by civilian seafarers working aboard commercial ships in conflict-affected waters and underscores the urgent need to safeguard international shipping routes from military escalation.