NEW DELHI: At least two people were killed and several crew members, including an Indian national, were injured after a Russian drone strike caused a fire aboard a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea.The Indian Embassy in Romania said three Indian nationals were among the crew of the vessel, identified as MV Royad Mammadov, and that one of them was injured and receiving medical attention.“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 said in a post on X.The embassy said it was in close contact with the relevant authorities to establish further details about the safety and welfare of the Indian nationals.
Three Indians among crew, all reported safe
Indian ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra spoke to the three Indian crew members who were receiving treatment at Constanța County Hospital. The embassy said the hospital’s chief physician confirmed that all three were in good health and receiving necessary care.“Amb @manojifs 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 mission said.It later said that all three Indian nationals were 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 added.The nationalities of the two people killed in the incident were not immediately known.
Zelenskyy says captain killed in drone attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that two Russian drones had struck a civilian vessel carrying corn in neutral waters.“A horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Turkiye,” Zelenskyy said.He said Azerbaijani and Indian citizens were aboard the vessel and that the ship’s captain had been killed. The fate of another person was still being established, 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,” Zelenskyy said.He added that 11 crew members had been rescued, including one who was injured.Zelenskyy said Ukraine had repeatedly proposed concrete measures to de-escalate the conflict and improve 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.
Vessel was headed from Ukraine to Italy
Romania’s interior ministry said its Coast Guard was alerted about the fire at around 11 am local time after the vessel was reported in the country’s exclusive economic zone, about 30 nautical miles (55 km) south of Sfantul Gheorghe in Tulcea County.The ministry did not confirm what caused the fire. Romanian media reported that the vessel had been hit by a drone southeast of a Black Sea oil platform, but the reports had not been immediately verified by authorities.Romania’s Naval Authority identified the vessel as the Royad Mammadov. According to MarineTraffic, it is a general cargo ship flagged to Saint Kitts and Nevis. It had departed Ukraine’s port of Izmail and was headed for Italy.Romanian authorities said 11 crew members had been rescued and two deceased people had been found. Injured crew members were airlifted by helicopter for medical treatment.The Black Sea has faced heightened security concerns amid the Russia-Ukraine war, with attacks affecting commercial shipping and port infrastructure.
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Fresh incident involving Indian nationals
The incident came a day after a 52-year-old employee of a pharmaceutical warehouse belonging to Indian owners was killed in a Russian strike in Ukraine’s Sumy.External affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday that India had moved beyond advocacy and stepped up efforts in recent months to help resolve the Ukraine conflict by engaging with both Kyiv and Moscow.His remarks came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “good ideas” to find a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.
