Four Indians killed, one injured in attack on cargo vessel off Odesa in Ukraine
New Delhi: Four Indian nationals were killed and one critically injured after a commercial vessel was attacked off the port of Odesa in Ukraine, Indian Ministry of External has confirmed.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Turkish-owned vessel MV Golden Leo, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was struck by a missile while departing Odesa. There were 17 crew members on board, including five Indians.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition,” the ministry said.
“Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance.”
Ukraine’s Air Force said three Russian Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles were launched and one hit the vessel, triggering a fire.
The Kyiv Post reported 10 people were killed in total and eight sailors were rescued and taken to hospital in Odesa.
The Russian Defence Ministry said it had carried out strikes on Ukrainian ports and on “bulk carriers carrying military cargo” off Odesa.
Indian nationals are frequently employed on commercial cargo vessels operating in the Black Sea region due to global shipping shortages. With the Ukraine war ongoing, such vessels continue to operate in high-risk zones despite repeated warnings, leaving civilian crew members vulnerable to military strikes.
