An Indian national aboard the commercial vessel MV OMORFI was killed after the ship came under attack while transiting the Black Sea, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the attack took place on July 18 while the vessel was travelling through the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters.

Ten crew members were on board MV OMORFI at the time of the incident. The crew included three Indian nationals.

One of the Indian crew members died in the attack, while the other two Indian nationals aboard the ship were reported to be safe.

MEA Extends Condolences to Victim’s Family

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national. The ministry did not disclose the identity of the crew member in its statement.

“As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the victim.”

Ministry of External Affairs

The statement did not provide further information about the condition or current location of the two surviving Indian crew members.

India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping

India condemned the attack and said the targeting of commercial vessels placed innocent civilian crew members at serious risk.

The MEA said increasing threats to maritime navigation and international commerce were a matter of concern.

“India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk.”

Ministry of External Affairs

Indian Mission in Russia Contacts Authorities

The Indian mission in Russia has contacted the relevant authorities and is making efforts to provide all possible assistance to the victim’s family, the ministry said.

India also called upon all concerned parties to respect international obligations concerning the safety of maritime navigation.

“India calls upon all concerned parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce.”

Ministry of External Affairs

Another Attack Involving Indian Seafarers

The news of the MV OMORFI attack followed another reported incident involving Indian crew members in the Black Sea region.

On July 19, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel MV Golden Leo was reportedly attacked shortly after leaving a Ukrainian port.

Four Indian crew members were killed in that incident, while another Indian national was critically injured.

Black Sea Shipping Risks Increase

The attacks come amid renewed tensions between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about the safety of commercial ships and civilian seafarers operating in the region.

Merchant vessels travelling near active conflict zones may face risks from missile strikes, drone attacks, naval mines and disruption around ports and international shipping corridors.

Any sustained threat to merchant shipping could also affect global trade, supply chains and the movement of essential commodities through the region.

Further Details Awaited

Indian officials are expected to continue coordinating with Russian authorities, the vessel’s operators and other relevant agencies.

Further information is awaited about the source of the attack, the extent of damage to MV OMORFI and arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased Indian national.

Authorities are also expected to monitor the condition and safety of the two surviving Indian crew members.