Russian Drone Strike Claims Lives on Turkish Cargo Ship
A Russian drone attack on a Turkish vessel in the Black Sea results in two fatalities and injuries to several crew members, including an Indian national.
Two people killed in a drone strike on MV Royad Mammadov.
Three Indian nationals were aboard; one sustained injuries but is in stable condition.
The incident raises concerns over maritime security amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions.
A Russian drone strike on the Turkish cargo ship MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several crew members, including one Indian national. The attack occurred while the vessel was navigating through Romania's exclusive economic zone, approximately 30 nautical miles south of Sfantul Gheorghe. The Indian Embassy in Romania confirmed the presence of three Indian nationals on board, with one reported injured and receiving medical care.
The Turkish-owned vessel was reportedly transporting corn from Ukraine to Italy when it was struck. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating that the ship was targeted while in neutral waters. He confirmed that the ship's captain was among the deceased, and efforts are underway to ascertain the fate of another crew member. The incident underscores the escalating risks faced by commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In response to the attack, the Indian Embassy has been actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of its nationals. Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra communicated with the injured crew members at Constanța County Hospital, where they are reported to be in good health. The embassy is providing necessary support and assistance to the Indian nationals affected by the incident.
Romania's Coast Guard was alerted to the fire aboard the MV Royad Mammadov shortly after the drone strike. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, reports suggest that the vessel was hit by a drone southeast of a Black Sea oil platform. Romanian authorities confirmed the rescue of 11 crew members, while the search for the deceased continues.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of heightened security concerns in the Black Sea region, particularly affecting commercial shipping routes. The attack follows a recent Russian strike in Ukraine that resulted in the death of an Indian national, prompting India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to emphasize the country's commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict through diplomatic engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow.
