Black Sea Attacks Injure Two Indian Seafarers as Drone Strikes Surge
India’s MEA confirms four vessels hit in 48 hours, calling for an immediate end to maritime threats.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned a recent surge in attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, confirming that four ships were targeted within a 48-hour period. The assaults have raised serious concerns about the safety of maritime routes in the region.
Among the affected vessels was the MV Royad Mammadov, which had three Indian crew members on board. While all were rescued, one sustained injuries and received medical treatment. The incident highlights the growing risks faced by seafarers navigating the Black Sea amid escalating tensions.
Crew Evacuations and Uncertainty After Attacks: Black Sea
A drone strike hit the Palau-flagged MV Able, which had 18 crew members, including seven Indian nationals. Bulgarian authorities facilitated the evacuation, transporting the injured to Varna for medical care. The MEA acknowledged Bulgaria’s support in handling the crisis.
Meanwhile, the status of the crew aboard the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan remains unclear, as the MEA continues to seek updates on the vessel’s condition. In contrast, all 23 crew members of the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio were rescued without serious injuries, though the attack further underscored the vulnerability of commercial shipping.
India Urges De-escalation Through Diplomacy
In response to the attacks, the MEA called for an immediate halt to hostilities, warning that the targeting of civilian vessels and infrastructure threatens regional stability. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that four vessels had been hit within 48 hours.
India has maintained direct communication with both Russia and Ukraine, advocating for the protection of Black Sea shipping lanes and the safe transit of grain and energy exports. The MEA reiterated its position that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to resolving the crisis, urging all parties to prioritize de-escalation to prevent further harm to civilian seafarers.
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