New Delhi: A merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals came under attack at Ukraine’s Odesa Port, marking the second such incident involving Indian seafarers in the Black Sea region within a week. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities.
According to the embassy, the vessel, MV AGN Ragnarwas struck on Saturday while docked at the strategically important Port of Odesa, a key Black Sea port that has witnessed repeated missile and drone attacks since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
Two Indians Safe, Status of Two Awaited
The Indian mission confirmed that two of the four Indian crew members are safe. However, information regarding the condition and whereabouts of the remaining two sailors is still being awaited.
The embassy said efforts are underway to gather more details and extend all necessary assistance to the affected crew members.
Second Attack in a Week
The latest incident comes just days after another strike at Odessa Port claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers. Following that attack, India lodged a strong protest with Russia and summoned its senior-most diplomat in New Delhi to express concern over the deaths of Indian nationals.
The back-to-back incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
India Warns Seafarers
In response to the growing security risks, the Ministry of External Affairs recently issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution before accepting employment on vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea.
The advisory warned that commercial ships in the region remain vulnerable to missile and drone attacks and advised seafarers to obtain complete information about sailing routes, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response protocols before joining any assignment.
The government has also urged Indian crew members requiring assistance to immediately contact Indian embassies or consulates in the region through emergency helplines.
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