A merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals was struck while berthed at Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, with two crew members confirmed safe and the status of the other two still unknown, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv said on Sunday.
The incident occurred on July 25 when MV AGN Ragnar was hit at Odesa, one of Ukraine’s key Black Sea ports that has been repeatedly targeted since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
In a statement, the Indian Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant contact with the relevant authorities.
“Embassy of India in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation following the incident involving MV AGN Ragnar, which was struck at the Port of Odesa on July 25,” the mission said.
According to the embassy, four Indian nationals were on board the vessel at the time of the incident. Two have been confirmed safe, while information regarding the remaining two crew members is still awaited.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with the embassy working closely with local authorities to determine the status of the missing seafarers and provide all necessary consular assistance.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the source of the strike or the circumstances surrounding the incident. The total number of crew members aboard the vessel, as well as the identities and roles of the four Indian nationals, have also not been released.
Odesa, Ukraine’s principal Black Sea port, has remained a frequent target of missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. Despite ongoing efforts to maintain maritime trade through the Black Sea, merchant shipping continues to face significant security risks in the region.
India has consistently advised its citizens to avoid travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and has continued to extend consular support to Indian nationals affected by the crisis.