4 Indians Killed in Attack on MV Golden Leo Off Ukraine

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during its departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening. One Indian national is critically injured. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the death toll, stating that the vessel had 17 crew members on board, including 5 Indians, at the time of the incident.

The attack occurred while the vessel was departing the port of Odesa, resulting in the loss of four Indian lives and one critically injured. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences to the bereaved families and stated that India's mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to those affected.

The MEA strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members is deplorable and should be avoided. The Ukrainian Navy accused Russia of launching a missile attack on the civilian vessel, which was carrying a cargo of grain.

The Ukrainian Navy stated that Russian occupiers launched a strike using three Kh-59/Kh-59 cruise missiles against the civilian bulk carrier Golden Leo. The vessel was moving out of the combat zone when the attack occurred, causing a fire on board and resulting in the death of five people. The fate of another five crew members remains unknown.

Search operations are currently underway, and the technical condition of the vessel is being assessed. The Ukrainian Navy expressed strong condemnation of the Russian strike, recognizing it as an act of terror. The incident has sparked concern and outrage, with the Chief Minister's Office in Kerala directing NORKA to contact the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to obtain further details about the incident.

The attack on the MV Golden Leo is a significant incident, highlighting the risks and dangers faced by commercial vessels in conflict zones. The international community has condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilian lives and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce.

The incident is a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has resulted in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need to protect human lives and prevent further escalation.

In conclusion, the attack on the MV Golden Leo is a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of four Indian lives and one critically injured. The incident highlights the need for international cooperation and diplomacy to prevent such attacks and ensure the safety of commercial vessels and their crew members.