Four Indian nationals were killed, and one remains in critical condition after a commercial vessel was attacked while departing the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, India’s ministry of external affairs said in a statement on Monday.
The MEA, in the statement, added that there were 17 crew members on board the ship at the time of the incident, including 5 Indian nationals.
There was no immediate public comment from Moscow on the incident.
The target was a 7334-dwt general cargo ship, built in 1998, and owned by a Turkey-based company.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalized in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected,” MEA stated.
The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of the Indian nationals who were killed in the attack and wished the Indian national who is injured and hospitalised in critical condition a speedy recovery.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery,” it said.
New Delhi further condemned the attack on the vessel and said that targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian crew members or impeding freedom of navigation and commerce should be avoided.
Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) said 8 were rescued and taken ashore after a Russian strike hit a ship with a grain cargo. Search and rescue operations were continuing. As a result of the strike, a fire broke out on board the ship.
The ship was carrying 17 crew members consisting of Indian and Syrian nationals, as well as a Ukrainian maritime pilot. The authority added that 10 people were killed.
“We express our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. We strongly condemn another war crime by Russia directed against civilian shipping, international trade and freedom of navigation,” USPA said.
The Black Sea was a flashpoint of the Ukraine war in the months following Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of its neighbour.
Moscow and Kyiv are now stepping up attacks in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov and targeting key revenue sources.
