DNA Test Required for Repatriation of Indian Sailor Killed in Ukraine Missile Attack
The Indian Embassy has intensified efforts to repatriate the body of Akhil Joel, a 26-year-old native of A.K.G. Nagar in Kasaragod. Joel was among four Indians killed when a cargo ship was hit in an alleged Russian missile attack off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine.
According to officials at NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs under the Kerala government, the embassy has asked Joel's family to provide a DNA sample to identify his body. The body is expected to be repatriated within two weeks once testing procedures are completed.
The attack occurred near the port of Odesa on the ship MV Golden Leo, which was flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Joel was serving as the chief officer of the ship. NoRKA-Roots Chief Executive Officer Asif K. Yusuf is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Mission in Ukraine to expedite the repatriation process, authorities said.
