Indian sailor killed in strike on commercial vessel in Black Sea, MEA condemns attack

An Indian sailor was killed after a commercial vessel was attacked in the Black Sea, as the over four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to drag on, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday. The vessel, which was in Russian territorial waters, was identified as Marshall Islands-flagged MV OMORFI. 

The vessel, which was last ported at Saint Petersburg in Russia, was carrying ten crew members, including three Indian nationals, at the time of the incident. The MEA has not revealed the identity of the deceased, but has extended the government’s deepest condolences to his family.

It also said the other two Indian nationals on board are safe. The MEA also said the Indian Mission in Russia has reached out to the relevant authorities and making all possible efforts to assist the deceased’s family.

The MEA has condemned the attack, calling upon all parties “to uphold international obligations to ensure that the safety and security of maritime navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce.”

“India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk. ​It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

The attack on MV OMORFI comes days after the Russian strike on MV GOLDEN LEO that claimed the lives of four Indians. The vessel was attacked off Ukraine’s coast while departing Odesa. It was carrying around 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.

One Indian was also injured in the strike and was provided medical treatment. According to reports, the ship was a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel and was mostly manned by Indians and Syrians.

Several videos of the attack had also gone viral on social media.

Following the strike, India summoned Russian charge d’affaires in New Delhi, who was told that deaths caused during Moscow’s strike were 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,” Jaiswal had said later.

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