Two Indian Sailors Missing After Attack on Vessel in Odesa, Ukraine

In a troubling incident at the port city of Odesa, Ukraine, a ship carrying four Indian sailors was hit by a projectile on Saturday. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv confirmed the event on Sunday, stating that while two of the crew members are safe, there is still no information regarding the whereabouts of the other two sailors. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, and the embassy is in constant communication with local authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens.

This incident marks a distressing continuation of violence in the region, coming on the heels of a recent attack that claimed the lives of four Indians. On July 19, a cargo ship was targeted shortly after it departed from Odesa, resulting in the deaths of four Indian nationals and leaving one critically injured. The five Indians were part of a crew of 17 aboard the vessel, highlighting the risks faced by sailors operating in the conflict-affected waters of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has attributed the attack to Russian forces, claiming that the vessel was struck within a maritime corridor designated for safe passage. This assertion underscores ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which have escalated since the latter’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The conflict has become one of the deadliest in Europe since World War II, with far-reaching implications for international maritime security.

In response to the recent spate of attacks, India has expressed its grave concerns regarding the safety of its nationals abroad. On July 21, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires, condemning the assaults and demanding accountability. The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting Indian citizens in conflict zones, highlighting the urgency of ensuring their safety.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine has made available emergency contact information for families seeking updates on their loved ones. The embassy has urged concerned parties to reach out for any assistance required, as authorities work diligently to locate the two missing sailors.

Source: scroll.in