Kerala Sailor Among Four Indians Killed in Russian Strike on Cargo Ship Off Ukraine
Akhil Joyan, a 26-year-old seafarer from Kerala's Kasaragod district, was one of four Indian nationals killed in a Russian attack on a cargo vessel near Odesa, Ukraine. Joyan, who was engaged to be married in two months, died when the ship MV Golden Leo was struck by Russian forces on Sunday.
Joyan had worked as a mariner for six years and had recently returned to duty after his engagement. Locals described him as a disciplined and well-behaved young man who was also a popular tug-of-war player. His family, residents of Vellarikkundu, received news of his death via an email from the shipping company on Monday evening.
Shobi Joseph, a ward member of Vellarikkundu grama panchayat, told PTI that Joyan was the only son of his parents, Joyan, an electrical shop employee, and Sally, an insurance agent. 'They are an ordinary family, and their future depended largely on Akhil. They had recently constructed a house,' Joseph said.
The Kerala Chief Minister's Office has directed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department to coordinate with the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate repatriation of the body and other formalities.
According to Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority, the cargo vessel, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was hit shortly after leaving the port of Odesa. The attack killed 10 crew members, including five Syrian sailors. Eight people were rescued. The ship was carrying Ukrainian corn.
