New Delhi: Indian seafarers were again at the receiving end of a fatal attack. But this time it was not in the Gulf around the Strait of Hormuz where the US and Iran are locked in battle.
The latest loss of lives came amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Four Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a cargo ship carrying grain was hit while departing the port of Odesa in Ukraine.
It was possibly a Russian missile attack which caused the damage and loss of lives.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo came under attack on the evening of July 19 as it sailed out of Odesa with 17 crew members on board, including five Indians.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition,” MEA said in a statement on Monday.
The government strongly condemn the attack and called the targeting of commercial shipping “deplorable”.
The Indian embassy in Ukraine is in close contact with the authorities and making every effort to assist those affected.
“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 said.
At least 15 Indians have died in missile and drone strikes in and around Hormuz since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
