• Source:JND

At least 10 crew members, including four Indian nationals, died after their ship was hit while sailing from the Ukrainian port of Odesa on the evening of July 19. One Indian national remained critically injured. The ship was the MV Golden Leo, with five Indians among its 17 crew members.

"Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected. 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 MEA said.

India further stated that targeting commercial shipping and civilian crew members was "deplorable and should be avoided," adding that such incidents undermine freedom of navigation and international trade.

Among the deceased Indian nationals was a 26-year-old man from Kerala, identified as Akhil Joyan, PTI reported, citing the deceased’s family members.

Reacting to the incident, the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office said, “Following reports that a Malayali was killed in a Ukrainian ship attack, the Chief Minister's Office has directed NORKA to contact the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to obtain further details about the incident.” 

Russian Missile Strike On MV Golden Leo

Ukraine’s Navy said the cargo ship MV Golden Leo, flying a flag of Guinea-Bissau, with corn in its cargo, was hit by three Russian cruise missiles just after leaving Odesa port.

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The vessel was reportedly manned by Indian and Syrian crew members. Ukrainian officials described the strike as one of the deadliest maritime attacks in the Black Sea in recent weeks.

Casualties And Rescue Operation

Ukraine's Seaports Authority said a search-and-rescue operation continued through the night following the strike.

Nine crew members and one maritime pilot have been rescued from the vessel. The remaining victims consist of four Indian nationals, one of whom remains in a critical condition.

Ship Owned By Mumbai-Based Company

According to LSEG shipping data, MV Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd. The vessel had 17 crew members on board at the time of the attack, including five Indians.

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Fighting Intensifies In Black Sea Region

The attack comes amid a renewed escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Officials in Ukraine's Odesa region said Russian strikes have killed 28 people there so far this month.

Meanwhile, in Russia's Belgorod region, a Ukrainian drone strike reportedly hit a bus, killing five people, including a child. Russian missile and drone attacks on several Ukrainian cities also left at least eight people dead, as both sides continue to intensify cross-border attacks.

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