2 Indians Missing After Another Attack On Ship At Odesa Port In Ukraine
- A ship at Ukraine's Odesa port was attacked; two Indian nationals are missing.
- Two other Indian crew members on the same vessel are safe, the embassy has confirmed.
- India has issued a fresh Black Sea advisory, calling the maritime corridor 'highly volatile'.
Two Indian nationals are missing after a vessel was struck at Ukraine’s Odesa port, officials confirmed on Sunday. The attack is the latest in a series of strikes on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.
The Indian embassy in Ukraine said it is “closely monitoring” the situation. Four Indians were on board the ship when it came under attack. Two crew members are safe. The fate of the remaining two is still being ascertained.
Another Blow to Black Sea Shipping
This incident follows a pattern of escalating risks for merchant vessels operating near Ukrainian ports. The maritime corridor, once seen as a vital route for grain exports, has grown increasingly dangerous.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted quickly. It issued a fresh advisory for Indian sailors and shipping companies. The advisory described the Black Sea maritime corridor as “highly volatile.”
India's Advisory: 'Assess Security Risks'
The government’s latest warning asks Indian seafarers to carefully assess security risks before entering the region. The advisory is not a blanket ban, but a strong caution.
“All Indian crew and shipping companies are urged to evaluate the safety of their vessels and personnel given the volatile security situation,” a government source said. This comes after multiple incidents involving Indian sailors in the Black Sea.
Reports indicate that up to five Indian sailors have died in separate attacks on Black Sea shipping in recent months. The MEA has not confirmed the exact number of casualties.
Embassy Response and Next Steps
The Indian embassy in Kyiv is in touch with local authorities and port officials. They are working to locate the missing crew members.
“We are doing everything possible to find our citizens,” an embassy official stated. The government has not yet named the missing individuals or the specific vessel involved.
The attack underscores the fragile security in the region. Despite diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage for commercial ships, strikes have continued.
Authorities have not confirmed who carried out the attack. Investigations are ongoing.
What happens next will depend on the safety of the port and the ability of rescue teams to access the area. The Indian government is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.