Black Sea drone strike kills two, injures Indian crew member on cargo ship

A Russian drone strike hit a Turkish-owned cargo vessel in the Black Sea, killing two and injuring crew members, including an Indian national. The attack has intensified concerns over civilian shipping safety and food trade routes in the war zone.

In Short

• Indian Embassy in Romania confirmed three Indian crew members were aboard
• One injured Indian sailor received treatment as officials monitored welfare closely
• Zelenskyy said the Turkish-owned vessel carried corn through neutral waters

At least two people were killed and some crew members, including an Indian national, were injured after a Russian drone strike caused a fire on a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea, authorities said. The Indian Embassy in Romania said there were three Indian nationals among the crew and that one of them was injured and was receiving medical attention.

The embassy said it was in touch with the authorities and later confirmed that all three Indians were safe. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the vessel was carrying corn in neutral waters and that the ship's captain had been killed.

In a post on X, the Indian mission said, "We have learnt of an attack today on commercial vessel MV ROYAD MAMMADOV in the Black Sea. As per preliminary information, there have been 2 casualties (foreign nationals) while some crew members have been injured and are undergoing medical treatment in Romania. It is further reported that there are three Indian nationals among the crew members."

The mission added that it was "in close contact with the relevant authorities to ascertain further details about the safety and welfare of the Indian nationals". It later said Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra had spoken to the Indian nationals and confirmed that "all three are in good health".

According to the embassy, "Amb @manojifs spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constana County Hospital. He also spoke with the hospital's Chief Physician, who confirmed that all three are in good health and receiving necessary care. The Ambassador assured them of all possible assistance and support." The mission also said that "all three Indian nationals are safe" and added, "We have spoken to them. One of them has been injured and is receiving medical attention. We are in close touch with the hospital authorities. We are extending all possible support for the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian crew members."

The nationality of those killed was not immediately known. On Monday, Zelenskyy described it as a "horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Turkiye". He said, "Azerbaijani and Indian citizens were on board. As of now, unfortunately, we know that the ship's captain was killed. My condolences. The fate of one other person is still being established." He also said 11 crew members were rescued, one of them injured.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had repeatedly proposed concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and ensure security in the Black Sea. "Pressure is needed to restore global food security. And everyone who is genuinely interested in this must help," he posted. The Black Sea is a key global trade route that has faced severe disruption because of escalating attacks on commercial shipping and port infrastructure in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On Sunday, a 52-year-old employee of a pharmaceutical warehouse belonging to Indian owners was killed in a Russian strike in Ukraine's Sumy. The same day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India had moved beyond advocacy and stepped up efforts in recent months to resolve the Ukraine conflict by engaging in conversations with both Kyiv and Moscow. His remarks came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "good ideas" to find a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict. Overall, the latest Black Sea strike left two people dead, injured several crew members including an Indian national, and prompted fresh diplomatic outreach and safety checks for the Indian crew.

With PTI Inputs

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