India condemns Black Sea attack on vessel that killed Indian seafarer

MV Omorfi, a bulk carrier with a crew of 10, including three Indian nationals, was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters, on July 18, the external affairs ministry said in a statement. “As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack…The other two Indian nationals on board are reported to be safe,” the ministry said.

The incident occurred a day before a Russian attack that targeted the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo in the Black Sea and killed 10 people, including four Indian seafarers. The external ministry’s statement did not specify who attacked the Omorfi, though the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said on social media that the vessel was targeted by a Ukrainian drone. FSUI identified the dead Indian seafarer as chief officer Sagar Gupta.

“India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk. It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats,” the statement said.