India on Friday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea that claimed the life of an Indian national, describing attacks on merchant shipping as unacceptable and calling on all concerned parties to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and international commerce.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the vessel was attacked on July 18 while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. The ship had 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals.
The MEA said one Indian sailor lost his life in the attack, while the other two Indian nationals on board are safe.
In a statement, the Ministry expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said, “India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk.”
The Ministry said it was a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce was facing increasing threats. It urged all concerned parties to uphold their international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
The incident comes days after another attack on the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel, which was reportedly struck on July 19 shortly after departing Ukraine’s Odesa port.
The vessel had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. According to the MEA, four Indian crew members were killed in the attack, while one sustained critical injuries.
Following that incident, India had also condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian crew members, while confirming that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine was extending all necessary assistance to those affected.
-ANI
