Four Indian seafarers were killed and one critically injured after an attack, reportedly carried out by Russia, struck a commercial vessel departing the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the incident late Monday evening, though it did not identify the country responsible. Shipping news outlets, however, attributed the strike to Russia. According to Seatrade Maritime News, the vessel involved, MV Golden Leo, came under attack, with five seafarers reported killed and five others missing in its aftermath.
Citing Odesa Oblast governor Oleg Kiper, the maritime news portal reported that the ship was carrying a cargo of corn and suffered significant damage after a fire broke out following the strike. The vessel’s 17-member crew comprised 12 Syrian nationals and five Indians, sailing under a Ukrainian captain.
India condemned the attack, stating that targeting commercial shipping, endangering civilian crew and disrupting freedom of navigation and trade is deplorable and must be avoided. The ministry extended condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wished the injured crew member a full and speedy recovery.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. In a separate strike on Monday, Russian forces hit Odesa, Ukraine’s largest seaport, killing three people and injuring three others, according to Serhiy Lysak, head of the city’s military administration. He said port infrastructure facilities were targeted but did not provide further details on the extent of the damage.
It is too sad; the poor, innocent lives are lost. They are there just for their livelihood. They are not politicians who decide about a war or soldiers who are paid to fight. They are part of the team delivering food to these politicians, their people, and their armed forces.