Merchant Vessel Carrying Four Indians Hit at Ukraine’s Odesa Port; Two Confirmed Safe

KYIV, July 26: A merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals was struck at the port of Odesa in Ukraine, with two of the crew members confirmed safe while information about the remaining two is still awaited, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said on Sunday. In a statement posted on X, the Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation following the incident involving MV AGN Ragnar, which was hit at Odesa Port on July 25. According to the Embassy, search and rescue operations are currently underway, and it is maintaining constant contact with the concerned Ukrainian authorities. “Four Indian nationals were on board the vessel. As per the latest information, two have been confirmed safe, and information is awaited regarding the other two nationals. Search and rescue operations are underway,” the Embassy said. The Embassy also shared emergency contact details for Indian nationals requiring consular assistance and urged anyone affected to get in touch immediately. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in the Black Sea region due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indian nationals to carefully assess security risks before accepting employment on commercial vessels operating in conflict-affected maritime zones, particularly the Black Sea. The advisory urged seafarers to ensure that employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in the event of an emergency. The MEA also advised Indian citizens requiring assistance to remain in contact with Indian missions and consulates in the region.