New Delhi: A Turkish-owned civilian vessel carrying corn and nationals of India and Azerbaijan came under a Russian drone attack in the Black Sea, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said. Two Russian drones hit the vessel in neutral waters, killing its captain, while 11 crew members were rescued, including one who was injured.
Zelenskyy said the fate of one more person was still being established and expressed condolences over the captain’s death. “A horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Turkiye. Azerbaijani and Indian citizens were on board,” he said in a post on X.
The 139 metre MV Royad Mammadov later sank after catching fire, according to Romanian authorities. The vessel went down around 30 nautical miles south of Sfantu Gheorghe, a Romanian fishing port, after the fire broke out within Romania’s exclusive economic zone.
Three Indians safe after attack
The embassy of India in Romania later confirmed that three Indian nationals were among the crew and that all three were safe. One of them was injured and was receiving medical treatment at Constanța County Hospital.
The Indian ambassador to Romania, Manoj Mohapatra, spoke with the three Indian nationals and the hospital’s chief physician, who confirmed that they were in good health and receiving necessary care. The embassy said it was in contact with the hospital authorities and relevant officials and was providing all possible assistance to the Indian crew members.
Zelenskyy calls for action on Black Sea security
Following the attack, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had repeatedly proposed measures to de-escalate the situation and improve security in the Black Sea. He also pointed to similar proposals from third countries and called for pressure to restore global food security.
The incident comes amid continuing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea as the Russia-Ukraine war continues. Merchant vessels operating in the region have faced growing security concerns because of military activity and attacks.
Jaishankar flags attacks on commercial vessels
The incident comes days after the external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, highlighted the risks faced by commercial shipping and seafarers during his address to the 81st United Nations general assembly. He referred to attacks across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea and said Indian seafarers, as well as crew members from other countries, had lost their lives.
Jaishankar said India had joined Liberia and 23 partner nations in an international coalition to mobilize support for protecting commercial shipping routes. He stressed the need to safeguard vessels and seafarers and ensure that international law is respected.