Three Indians Reportedly Safe Following Black Sea Ship Attack That Killed Two Crew Members

All three Indian nationals aboard the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov are safe following an attack in the Black Sea that killed two other crew members. One of the Indian sailors was injured in the incident and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Romania. The Embassy of India in Romania said the vessel came under attack while sailing in the Black Sea. Preliminary information indicated that two non-Indian crew members were killed, while several others were injured and required emergency medical assistance.

The Indian embassy later confirmed that all three Indian nationals aboard the ship were out of danger. One Indian crew member suffered injuries and was taken to a hospital in Romania, where he is receiving medical treatment. Indian diplomatic officials have remained in close contact with the injured sailor and medical authorities to monitor his condition and ensure that he receives the necessary support.

Indian Ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra also spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanța County Hospital. He discussed their condition with the hospital's chief physician, who confirmed that the Indian crew members were stable and receiving appropriate medical care. The Indian mission has assured the affected seafarers of continued assistance and said it is closely coordinating with Romanian authorities and other agencies to establish further details about the incident.

According to reports, the vessel was operating in the western Black Sea near Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone when a fire broke out on board. Romanian rescue authorities responded to the emergency and launched a search-and-rescue operation, evacuating survivors and transferring injured crew members to medical facilities for treatment.

MV Royad Mammadov reportedly had a multinational crew that included Indian and Azerbaijani nationals. The vessel was also reported to have been transporting grain from Ukraine towards Italy, highlighting the risks faced by commercial ships operating through the conflict-affected Black Sea region. The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing security challenges confronting merchant vessels in strategic waterways. Commercial shipping has faced increasing risks not only in the Black Sea but also in areas such as the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, where geopolitical tensions and military activity have threatened civilian crews and disrupted important trade routes.

The safety of seafarers has been a growing concern for India because thousands of Indian nationals work aboard commercial ships operating across international waters. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly highlighted the need to protect civilian sailors and maintain the security of international shipping routes.

During his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar warned that attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers represent a serious challenge to global maritime security. He noted that Indian seafarers, along with mariners from other countries, have lost their lives in attacks and stressed that such incidents cannot be allowed to become normalised.

India has also worked with Liberia and 23 partner countries to build international support for the protection of commercial shipping routes and freedom of navigation. New Delhi has consistently maintained that maritime routes should remain open, secure and governed by international law. The Black Sea attack also illustrates how conflicts can affect global trade far beyond areas of direct fighting. Commercial vessels transporting grain, energy resources and other essential goods continue to navigate waters where security conditions can change rapidly. Any prolonged disruption can affect shipping costs, supply chains and the availability of key commodities in international markets.

The immediate focus remains on the condition of the injured crew members and the welfare of the surviving seafarers. The Indian Embassy in Romania continues to coordinate with local authorities and medical officials while gathering more information about the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident serves as another reminder that protecting civilian crews and maintaining safe maritime trade routes are essential not only for the countries whose nationals serve on these vessels but also for the stability of global commerce.