Merchant Ship Carrying Four Indians Hit at Ukraine's Odesa Port, 2 Safe, Search On for 2 Crew Members

A merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals was struck while docked at Ukraine's Port of Odesa, triggering an urgent search-and-rescue operation and prompting the Indian Embassy in Kyiv to closely monitor the situation. While two Indian crew members have been confirmed safe, authorities are still trying to determine the fate of the other two, whose status remains unknown.

The incident took place on Saturday when MV AGN Ragnar was hit at the strategically significant Port of Odesa, one of Ukraine's busiest Black Sea ports that has repeatedly faced missile and drone attacks since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said it is maintaining constant contact with local authorities and all relevant agencies to gather updates on the missing Indian nationals and provide every possible consular assistance.

According to the embassy, search and rescue operations are currently underway, with officials working to establish the condition and whereabouts of the remaining crew members. No further details have been released regarding their identities or responsibilities on board the vessel.

Authorities have also not disclosed what caused the strike or whether there were additional casualties among the ship's crew. The total number of people on board the vessel at the time of the attack remains unclear.

Odesa has remained one of the most vulnerable maritime hubs since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite international efforts to keep Black Sea shipping routes operational, commercial vessels continue to face security risks amid the ongoing conflict.

India has consistently advised its citizens against travelling to Ukraine due to the volatile security situation and has continued extending consular support to Indian nationals affected by the war. The embassy said it will provide further updates as more information becomes available on the missing crew members.