NEW DELHI: Four Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo came under attack shortly after departing Ukraine’s port of Odesa on July 19, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
According to the MEA, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals, when it was attacked.
“As per the information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised 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,” the ministry said in a statement.
The MEA expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured crew member a speedy recovery.
India also condemned the attack, stressing that commercial vessels and civilian seafarers should never be targeted.
“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping, endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry said.
Cargo Vessel Reportedly Hit by Missiles
According to Ukrainian authorities, the MV Golden Leo, which was carrying a cargo of corn, was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after leaving Odesa on Sunday. The vessel was reportedly crewed by Indian and Syrian nationals.
The strike triggered a fire on board and prompted an overnight search-and-rescue operation. Ukrainian officials said several crew members were killed, while others were rescued. Witnesses in Odesa reported seeing smoke rising from the vessel off the coast.
According to shipping data, the vessel is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
Renewed Black Sea Hostilities
The attack comes amid renewed hostilities in the Black Sea, a vital corridor for Ukraine’s grain exports.
Commercial shipping had resumed under arrangements aimed at easing global food supply concerns following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, recent weeks have seen an escalation in attacks on ports, merchant vessels and maritime infrastructure.
Ukraine has accused Russia of intensifying strikes on its deepwater ports and commercial shipping, while Russia says it is targeting fuel depots and infrastructure linked to Ukraine’s military operations.
The renewed attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial navigation in the Black Sea and the stability of global grain supplies, as both Russia and Ukraine remain among the world’s largest grain exporters.
