The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassies in Ukraine and Romania to immediately ascertain the whereabouts of four Indian seafarers who were aboard a cargo vessel that reportedly came under a drone attack near the Ukrainian coast.
A three-member Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took note of conflicting reports regarding the fate of the Indian crew members and emphasized the need for urgent action.
“We expect immediate steps from the Indian Embassy in Ukraine as well as in Romania to gather information about the whereabouts of these seafaring people. We also direct the Ministry of External Affairs to use their diplomatic channels and search in the same process,” the Bench observed.
The cargo vessel had a nine-member crew, including four Indian nationals. While one report suggested that all four Indian seafarers had drowned following the attack, another indicated that two had been rescued at the scene, while the remaining two jumped into the water to escape the blaze and were reportedly with the Romanian Coast Guard.
Appearing for the Centre, Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the Indian Embassies in Romania and Ukraine, along with the MEA, were actively working to verify the facts. He assured the Bench that the government would obtain instructions and provide an updated status at the earliest.
The matter highlights the growing risks faced by merchant shipping operating in the conflict-affected Black Sea region, where maritime security continues to be threatened by ongoing hostilities. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the urgency of ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers serving on international vessels.