New Delhi: At least four Indian nationals were killed and one was critically injured after the commercial cargo vessel MV Golden Leo came under attack while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Monday.
The MEA said the vessel had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals, when it was attacked. India condemned the strike, stating that commercial shipping and civilian crew members should never be targeted.
MEA confirms deaths of four Indians
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said four Indian crew members lost their lives in the attack, while another Indian national remains hospitalised in 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 condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured crew member 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,” the statement added.
India condemns attack on commercial vessel
The government strongly condemned the attack, reiterating that civilian shipping should not be targeted during armed conflicts.
“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 MEA said.
Vessel struck after leaving Odesa
According to Ukrainian authorities, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel MV Golden Leo was carrying a shipment of corn when it came under attack shortly after departing the port of Odesa on Sunday evening.
Officials said the ship was struck by three Russian cruise missiles, triggering a fire on board and prompting an overnight search-and-rescue operation.
Several crew members were killed, while others were rescued from the vessel.
A Reuters witness in Odesa reported seeing smoke rising from the ship after the attack.
Reuters also reported that the vessel had a multinational crew comprising sailors from India and Syria.
Mumbai company owns vessel
According to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data, MV Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
The company has not yet publicly commented on the incident.
Black Sea tensions escalate
The attack comes amid renewed hostilities in the Black Sea, a strategically important maritime corridor used for Ukraine’s grain exports.
Commercial shipping had resumed under arrangements aimed at ensuring global food supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
However, recent months have witnessed intensified attacks on ports, merchant vessels and maritime infrastructure.
Ukraine has accused Russia of increasing missile strikes on commercial shipping and deepwater ports, while Russia maintains that it targets infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military operations.
The renewed escalation has raised fresh concerns over the safety of civilian shipping and the uninterrupted movement of global grain supplies, as both Russia and Ukraine remain among the world’s leading grain exporters.
The Indian government said it is closely monitoring developments and extending all possible assistance to the affected crew members and their families.