Merchant Vessel Hit Near Odesa: Four Indians Lose Lives, One Critical

In the latest development, four Indian nationals lost their lives after a merchant vessel was attacked near Ukraine's Odesa port, confirms the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday. One more Indian crew was seriously injured and is currently in critical condition.

The attack took place amid the ongoing conflict between Russia - Ukraine. However, India strongly condemn the incident calling the attack on a commercial vessel "deplorable".

Merchant Ship Came Under Attack Near Odesa

Informing that the vessel attacked is identified as MY GOLDEN LEO, and was leaving the Ukrainian port of Odesa after which it was attacked. According to the Government of India, the ship had 17 crew members on board with five Indian nationals.

In the attack, four were killed on a strike and one suffered serious injuries. The injured crew is receiving medical treatment. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences.

India Condemns the Attack

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaishwal strongly condemn the attacks that put civilians' lives at risk. "We wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery," he said.

He added that targeting commercial ships and innocent civilian crew members is unacceptable. India also stressed that freedom of navigation and international trade must not be disrupted by military actions.

The government described such attacks as "deplorable" and urged that commercial shipping should not be endangered during the ongoing conflict.

What Is Known About the Attack?

In several videos shared on social media, it claimed rising flames from the MV GOLDEN LEO. However, the authenticity of those videos are not independently verified.

According to the reports- the vessel was sailing under the Guinew- Bissau flag and had crews from different countries. Several reports also claim that the ship was hit by three cruise missiles that led to a massive fire onboard.

However, there has been no official statement from Ukraine officials on the attack.

Why Odesa Is an Important Port

As already known that the attack happened near Odesa- Ukrainian port on the Black Sea. It is also known as the country's most key trade hub.
The port is key to Ukraine's economy as it handles exports of grain, metals, chemicals, etc.