Four Indian Crew Members Killed in Russian Attack on Cargo Ship Near Odesa
Four Indian nationals, including a 26-year-old seafarer from Kerala, were killed in a Russian attack on a cargo ship off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine, on July 19, 2023.
The vessel, MV Golden Leo, was struck while sailing in the Black Sea. The deceased has been identified as Akhil Joyan, a native of Vellarikundu village in Kasaragod district, Kerala. He had worked as a mariner on the ship for six years.
According to family sources, Joyan was the only son of Joyan, a merchant, and Saly, a collection agent at the postal department. He pursued a career in shipping after completing a course in nautical science from Chennai.
The other three Indian victims are yet to be officially named pending notification of their families. The attack comes amid escalating hostilities in the region, with Russia targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea since withdrawing from the grain deal.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed condolences and is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities to repatriate the remains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks to merchant shipping in the conflict zone.
