Four Indian crew members lost their lives, and a fifth remains in critical condition following a missile attack on a commercial merchant vessel departing Ukraine’s Odesa port. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the casualties late Monday, strongly condemning the assault on civilian shipping and reiterating that innocent seafarers should never be targeted in international conflicts.
The attack marks one of the deadliest maritime strikes involving Indian seafarers since hostilities escalated along critical Black Sea trade corridors.
Details of the Attack on MV Golden Leo
The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship MV Golden Leo was departing Odesa on the evening of July 19 carrying a shipment of corn when it came under targeted fire. According to Ukrainian naval authorities, Russian forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles at the vessel. At least one missile struck the starboard side of the superstructure, triggering a massive fire on board.
MV Golden Leo Incident Snapshot
[Vessel Name] : MV Golden Leo (Guinea-Bissau Flagged)
[Ownership] : Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
[Total Crew] : 17 Members (India & Syria)
[Indian Crew] : 5 Members (4 Deceased, 1 Critically Injured)
[Cargo Type] : Grain (Corn)
[Location] : Departing Port of Odesa, Black Sea
Ukrainian emergency rescue teams and naval units executed an overnight search-and-rescue operation, evacuating eight surviving crew members to medical facilities in Odesa.
MEA Issues Condemnation and Assures Assistance
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine is monitoring the emergency closely and extending all possible assistance to the affected sailors and their families.
Ownership and Escalating Maritime Risks
LSEG shipping records indicate that Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd owns the MV Golden Leo. The attack highlights the severe risks faced by merchant mariners navigating key agricultural export routes in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, where missile strikes on port infrastructure and commercial vessels have intensified in recent weeks.
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