World · India Bureau
Indian crew member killed as Russian drone strikes vessel in Black Sea
A commercial vessel carrying Indian and Azerbaijani crew members was struck by a Russian drone attack in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of the ship's captain. Ukrainian officials said the vessel was transporting grain and posed no military threat.
LSN India ·
A merchant ship operating in the Black Sea came under attack from a Russian drone strike, claiming the life of its captain among a multinational crew, according to Ukrainian sources. The vessel was reportedly crewed by Indian and Azerbaijani nationals at the time of the incident.
Ukrainian authorities stated that the attacked ship was engaged in a civilian commercial operation, carrying a cargo of corn with no connection to military activities in the region. The strike marks another incident affecting commercial shipping in contested waters off Ukraine's coast.
The death of the captain underscores the mounting toll on maritime personnel operating in conflict-affected areas. Commercial shipping routes through the Black Sea have faced increasing risks since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, with multiple vessels targeted during their transit through the region.
The incident adds to concerns about the safety of international crews working on merchant vessels navigating the war zone. Indian seafarers have been among those affected by the ongoing conflict's impact on global maritime operations.