Black Sea Attack: 3 Indian Seafarers Rescued After Ship Hit En Route
Two crew members killed as MV Royad Mammadov carrying Ukrainian corn was struck outside Romanian waters.
Three Indian seafarers have returned home after surviving a deadly attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea earlier this month. The men—Ashwini Kumar, Sahil Sandhu, and Harman Singh—were rescued from the Turkish-owned vessel MV Royad Mammadov on October 6, the Indian Embassy in Bucharest confirmed on Saturday.
The attack, which occurred while the ship was transporting Ukrainian corn from Izmail to Ravenna, Italy, left two crew members dead and several others injured. The incident took place outside Romania’s territorial waters, though the nationalities of the deceased have not been disclosed. One of the Indian survivors required medical treatment at Constanța County Hospital before being cleared for repatriation.
On October 7, an embassy representative visited the men, who were reported in stable condition. While two stayed at a local hotel, Harman Singh remained hospitalized for injuries sustained during the attack. The embassy coordinated with Romanian authorities and the shipping company’s local agent to provide essential supplies, including mobile phones and Indian meals from a nearby restaurant.
The Indian Embassy thanked Romanian officials, hospital staff, and rescue teams for their support in ensuring the seafarers’ safety and swift return.
Safety Concerns for Black Sea Shipping
The attack on the MV Royad Mammadov has raised questions about the security of commercial vessels navigating the Black Sea, a critical route for Ukrainian grain exports. However, details about whether the incident disrupted the ship’s cargo or affected other vessels in the area remain unclear.
India plays a significant role in global maritime operations, supplying 12.16% of the world’s seafarers. According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, the country has 311,936 maritime professionals, making it the second-largest contributor after the Philippines. China, Russia, and Indonesia follow in the rankings.
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