An attack on the MV Golden Leo as it departed from 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. The MEA said four Indian nationals were killed and one was hospitalised in a critical condition after the vessel was attacked. The ministry said there were 17 crew members on board the vessel, including five Indian nationals.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised 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. 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 MEA said.
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.”
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 said infrastructure facilities were hit in the attack.
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