4 Indians Killed After Cargo Ship Attack In Ukraine

Article by Kumar Published on: 9:56 pm, 20 July 2026

Ever since the US – Iran conflict started in February, 13 Indian nationals, mostly seafarers, have died in different attacks on merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Now, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has claimed four innocent lives of Indians.

As per reports, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives and one is fighting for survival after commercial cargo vessel MV Golden Leo was attacked off the coast of Ukraine on July 19. The same has been confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs through an official announcement.

A total of 17 crew members were on board the vessel at the time of the attack, five of whom were Indian nationals. While four of the Indian crew members were killed, the fifth sustained severe injuries and remains hospitalized in critical condition. The incident unfolded when MV Golden Leo was departing from the port city of Odesa.

The MEA issued a strong statement condemning the strike, emphasizing that civilian lives and freedom of commerce must be protected. The details of the victims have not yet been released.

“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the MEA stated.

The Indian Embassy in Ukraine is actively coordinating with local administration and port authorities to extend all possible assistance to the affected crew and to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased sailors’ remains.