NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea that claimed the life of an Indian seafarer, describing attacks on commercial shipping as “unacceptable” and calling for the safety of maritime navigation and global trade to be protected.
The incident occurred on July 18 when MV OMORFI came under attack while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. According to the MEA, the vessel had 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals. One Indian crew member was killed, while the other two are reported to be safe.
Expressing condolences, the ministry said, “On 18 July 2026, the commercial vessel MV OMORFI was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, there were ten crew members on board, including three Indian nationals. As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased. The other two Indian nationals on board are reported to be safe.”
Condemning the strike, the MEA said, “India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk. It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats. India calls upon all concerned parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce.”
The latest incident comes less than a week after the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel MV Golden Leo was struck shortly after departing Ukraine’s port of Odesa on July 19. The ship was carrying 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed and another was critically injured in that attack.
Following the MV Golden Leo strike, the MEA had similarly condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian crew members, while assuring that the Indian mission in Ukraine was extending all possible assistance to those affected.
The back-to-back attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where renewed hostilities have increased risks to civilian vessels and disrupted global maritime trade.
