Indian sailor killed after ship attacked in Black Sea; govt condemns strike
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the vessel, MV Omorfi, was sailing in Russian territorial waters when it was attacked, killing an Indian sailor. There were 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals.
An Indian sailor was killed after a commercial vessel came under attack while transiting the Black Sea on July 18, prompting the government to unequivocally condemn attacks on commercial shipping and call for the protection of civilian seafarers.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the vessel, MV Omorfi, was sailing in Russian territorial waters when it was attacked. There were 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals.
"One Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family," the MEA said, adding that the two other Indian crew members were safe.
The ministry said the Indian mission in Russia had contacted the relevant authorities and was extending all possible assistance to the victim's family.
India "unequivocally condemns" attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian crew members, the MEA said, describing the growing threats to freedom of navigation and international commerce as a matter of serious concern.
"It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats," the statement said, urging all parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
The latest incident came just days after MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel, was struck shortly after departing Ukraine's port of Odesa on July 19. The ship had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indian sailors were killed and another was critically injured in that attack.
Following the Golden Leo strike, India had similarly condemned attacks on commercial vessels and said its mission in Ukraine was extending all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.
In recent days, the Black Sea has witnessed a sharp rise in attacks on merchant shipping since Russia and Ukraine resumed targeting each other's maritime infrastructure after the collapse of a fragile ceasefire. Both sides have accused each other of attacking civilian vessels, while the conflict has increasingly spilled into key shipping lanes used for grain exports, energy supplies and international trade.
The attacks have raised concerns over the safety of commercial navigation in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors. International shipping companies have been forced to reroute vessels, raise insurance premiums and adopt enhanced security measures as the conflict continues to threaten global supply chains.