At least four Indian nationals were killed, and one was critically injured after the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo came under attack while departing from Ukraine's southern port of Odesa on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
According to Ukraine's Navy, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after leaving Odesa. The ship had a mix of Indian and Syrian crew on board.
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The MEA said the vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four of them were killed in the attack, while the fifth was admitted to hospital in critical condition after the incident on the evening of July 19.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalized in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected," the MEA stated.
It added, “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 ministry further stated that the attacks on commercial vessels put the lives of civilian crew members at risk and disrupt global trade and maritime navigation.
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“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 statement by MEA concluded.
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