The MEA said the vessel was attacked on the evening of July 19, with 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians lost their lives in the strike, while the fifth remains in hospital in critical condition.
“The Indian Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected,” the ministry said in a statement issued late on Monday.
India condemns attack on commercial shipping
Condemning the incident, the MEA said attacks on commercial vessels and civilian crew members are unacceptable.
“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry said.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, carrying a cargo of corn, was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after leaving the port of Odesa. Ukraine’s navy said the vessel was crewed by Indian and Syrian nationals.
The missile strike reportedly triggered a fire on board and prompted an overnight search-and-rescue operation. Ukrainian officials said several crew members were killed while others were rescued. A Reuters witness in Odesa also reported seeing smoke rising from the vessel off the Black Sea coast.
According to LSEG data, the vessel is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks involving Indian seafarers since the conflict in Ukraine began and underscores the continuing risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea region despite international efforts to safeguard maritime trade.
