SRINAGAR: At least four Indian nationals were killed and one was critically injured after the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo came under attack while departing Ukraine’s port of Odesa on the evening of July 19, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
Our statement on attacks on commercial vessel – MV GOLDEN LEO ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/rhM365hrWJ pic.twitter.com/UMfD7qmT53
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 20, 2026
In a statement, the MEA said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals, when it was attacked.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalized in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected,” the ministry said.
The MEA expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured Indian national a speedy recovery.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery,” it said.
The ministry also strongly condemned the attack, saying commercial shipping and civilian crew members should not be targeted.
“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 said.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the MV Golden Leo, carrying a cargo of corn, was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after departing the port of Odesa on Sunday. The vessel was crewed by Indian and Syrian nationals, according to Reuters.
The strike reportedly triggered a fire on board and prompted an overnight search-and-rescue operation. Ukrainian officials said several crew members were killed while others were rescued. A Reuters witness in Odesa reported seeing smoke rising from the vessel off the coast.
According to LSEG data cited by Reuters, the vessel is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
The attack comes amid renewed hostilities in the Black Sea, a key maritime route for Ukraine’s grain exports. According to Reuters, both Russia and Ukraine have recently intensified attacks on ports, cargo vessels and maritime infrastructure after commercial shipping resumed under arrangements intended to ease global food supply concerns following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
