A fresh wave of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea has raised concerns over the safety of Indian sailors. A Liberian-flagged oil tanker came under a suspected Ukrainian drone attack near Sochi, Russia, leaving 11 Indian sailors injured.
According to Russian authorities, the tanker was carrying oil when the drone attack caused a fire. Rescue teams were immediately deployed, and all 23 Indian crew members were evacuated safely. The incident took place near the Black Sea coast, close to Sochi.
The attack came a day after a Turkish cargo ship was targeted by a Russian drone near Romanian waters. At least two sailors were reportedly killed in that incident, while several others were injured. One Indian sailor was among those hurt. Two other Indian sailors on the vessel were reported safe.
The Indian Embassy in Romania has been monitoring the situation and providing assistance to the affected sailors.
India has strongly condemned attacks on civilian vessels. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said attacks on commercial ships travelling from the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf region were unacceptable. He reiterated India’s position that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The latest incidents come amid renewed fighting between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides intensifying attacks in recent days.
