Bucharest: Three Indian crew members aboard a commercial ship attacked in the Black Sea are safe, the Indian Embassy in Romania has confirmed, even as two foreign nationals died and several others sustained injuries in the incident, ANI reported.
The Embassy said the vessel, identified as MV ROYAD MAMMADOV, was attacked on Monday, with injured crew members subsequently shifted to Romania for treatment. It added that three Indians were part of the ship’s crew.
Indians Out Of Danger
“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 Embassy of India in Romania said in a post on X.
The mission subsequently confirmed that none of the Indian crew members was in danger. While one Indian sustained injuries, the Embassy said he was undergoing medical care and that it was coordinating closely with the hospital.
“All three Indian nationals are safe. 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 Embassy said.
Ambassador Speaks To Crew
Indian Ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra contacted the three Indians undergoing treatment at Constanța County Hospital after the attack.
“Amb Manoj Mohapatra spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanța 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 Embassy added.
The Indian mission said it was maintaining contact with the concerned authorities to gather more information on the circumstances of the attack and the condition of the Indian seafarers.
The attack highlights the growing dangers facing commercial vessels in key maritime routes, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Black Sea. India has repeatedly expressed concern over threats to merchant vessels and the safety of seafarers.
India’s Stand
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue at the 81st UN General Assembly last week.
“New challenges in the maritime domain have added to longstanding ones on land. There have been attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea. Indian seafarers have lost their lives, as have others from other nations. This is completely unacceptable,” Jaishankar told the UN assembly.
He said India had joined Liberia and 23 partner nations in a coalition to protect commercial shipping routes and build global support for maritime security.
“We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised. Scrupulously observing international law is an integral element of that endeavour,” Jaishankar urged.
He also appealed for restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf to safeguard civilian crews and keep energy supplies and global trade moving.
