An attack on the MV Golden Leo as it departed Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa on Sunday killed four Indian nationals and left another critically injured, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said late on Monday.
According to Ukraine’s navy, Russia struck the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel with three cruise missiles. The ship was carrying a crew from India and Syria.
MEA said four Indian nationals were killed and one was hospitalised in a critical condition after the vessel MV GOLDEN LEO was attacked while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on the evening of July 19.
The ministry said there were 17 crew members on board the vessel, including five Indian nationals.
According to LSEG data cited by Reuters, the MV Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
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4 dead, 1 hospitalised: MEA
“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.”
Condemning the attack, the ministry said, “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.”
Another attack on Odesa killed 3
Separately, a Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine’s largest seaport, killed three people and injured three others on Monday, Serhiy Lysak, head of the city’s military administration, said.
He added that infrastructure facilities were hit in the attack, according to the Reuters report.
A search and rescue operation continued through the night after the attack, Ukraine’s Seaports Authority said. It added that nine people, including crew members and one maritime pilot, were killed, while eight of the vessel’s 17 crew members were rescued, according to a Reuters report,