- By Vaidika Thapa
- Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:10 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- MV BARYON attacked by drone with 23 Indian seafarers.
- Drone strike caused fire, extinguished by crew onboard.
- All 23 Indian seafarers reported safe, vessel continued.
A vessel carrying 23 Indian seafarers came under a drone attack while travelling from Russia to Pakistan on Wednesday. The drone struck the ship’s accommodation section, causing a fire. However, the crew managed to extinguish the fire and the vessel continued its journey to Karachi.
Vessel Attacked On Way To Karachi
According to a post by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FUSUI) on X, the vessel, MV BARYON, sailing from the Russian port of Novorossiysk to Karachi, was targeted by a drone while at sea. A second drone was also reportedly seen near the vessel. All 23 Indian crew members onboard were reported to be safe.
The unmanned aircraft hit the accommodation area of the ship, triggering a fire onboard. The crew successfully extinguished the fire, and the vessel resumed sailing under its own power. Images and video shared by Union show the damaged and fire-affected section of the vessel following the drone strike.
@DroneAttack 2nd in the world. Not expendable.⁰Indian seafarers keep global trade moving. That is not a licence to kill them.
— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) September 4, 2026
On 2 September 2026, MV BARYON (IMO 9151412) was struck by a drone while sailing from Novorossiysk to Karachi. The UAV hit the accommodation. Fire broke… pic.twitter.com/ICrL0P5Lx5
23 Indian Seafarers Safe
FUSUI said 23 Indian sailors were aboard the vessel and were simply carrying out their duties without being involved in any conflict. The Union expressed concern that merchant ships carrying Indian crews continue to face security risks while protection for seafarers remains limited. The union has also urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Directorate General of Shipping to immediately confirm the welfare of all Indian crew members.
The Union also called for stronger action to protect Indian seafarers, including ensuring their High Risk Area (HRA) compensation and raising the matter with the concerned country. "On 2 September 2026, MV BARYON (IMO 9151412) was struck by a drone while sailing from Novorossiysk to Karachi. The UAV hit the accommodation. Fire broke out. A second drone was sighted. The crew extinguished the fire and the vessel resumed passage under own power. 23 Indian seafarers were on board,” the FSUI wrote on X.
The incident is significant as it comes amid growing risks to commercial shipping in key conflict zones. While tensions due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict have increased concerns for vessels operating around Gulf region, commercial and naval vessels in the Black Sea have also faced attacks amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
You May Also Like To Watch: