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NEW DELHI: At least four Indian nationals were killed and one was critically injured after the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo came under attack while departing Ukraine’s port of Odesa on the evening of July 19, the ministry of external affairs said on Monday.In a statement, the MEA said there were 17 crew members on board the vessel, including five Indian nationals, when the attack took place.”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,” the ministry said.The MEA expressed its condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured Indian national 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.The ministry condemned the attack, saying commercial shipping and civilian crew members should not be targeted.”India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry said.
Attack on Indian-crewed vessel
According to Ukrainian authorities, the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship carrying corn, was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after departing the port of Odesa on Sunday. The vessel was reportedly manned by a crew from India and Syria, according to Reuters. The strike triggered a fire on board and led to an overnight search-and-rescue operation. Ukrainian officials said several crew members were killed, while others were rescued. A Reuters witness in Odesa also reported seeing smoke billowing from the vessel off the coast.The vessel is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd, according to LSEG data.
Black Sea tensions rise
The attack comes amid renewed fighting in the Black Sea, a crucial shipping route for Ukrainian grain exports. After commercial shipping resumed under arrangements aimed at easing global food supply concerns following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, both Russia and Ukraine have recently stepped up attacks on ports, cargo vessels and maritime infrastructure.Ukraine has accused Russia of intensifying strikes on its deepwater ports and commercial ships, while Russia says it has targeted fuel storage facilities and infrastructure linked to Ukraine’s military operations. The renewed attacks have raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and global grain supplies, as both countries remain among the world’s leading grain exporters.
