Tragic Attack on Cargo Ship from Odessa Claims Lives of Four Indians

A recent attack on a cargo ship departing from Odessa has tragically claimed the lives of four Indian citizens among ten fatalities. The Indian government has condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for the safety of commercial vessels amid ongoing conflict. Ukrainian officials have attributed the attack to Russian forces, highlighting its implications for global food security. This marks the first reported loss of Indian sailors in the ongoing war, prompting the Indian embassy to provide support to affected families. Read on for more details about this tragic event and its repercussions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 09:35 IST

Fatal Incident at Odessa Port

New Delhi. A tragic attack on a commercial vessel departing from Ukraine's Odessa port has resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including four Indian nationals. The Indian government has expressed profound sorrow over this incident, condemning the attack and reiterating the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial ships amidst ongoing conflict.

Details of the Attack

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the cargo ship named MV Golden Leo had a total of 17 crew members on board, five of whom were Indian citizens. The attack occurred on the evening of July 19 as the ship was leaving the port. Four Indians lost their lives in the incident, while another Indian national sustained serious injuries and has been hospitalized.

Government's Stance

The Indian government condemned the attack, stating that targeting commercial vessels and endangering the lives of innocent crew members is reprehensible. The Ministry emphasized that obstructing international trade and harming innocent individuals is unacceptable under any circumstances and must be avoided at all costs.

Ukraine Blames Russia

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has held Russia accountable for the incident. He reported on social media that the civilian ship, flagged by Guinea-Bissau, was struck by Russian cruise missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force has corroborated these claims. Kuleba highlighted that this route is crucial for global food security and that there should be no ambiguity following this attack.

Impact on Indian Nationals

This incident marks the first reported case of Indian sailors' deaths in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Indian embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making efforts to provide all possible assistance to the affected families. The government has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes for the swift recovery of the injured individual.