Odessa ship attack: Bodies of two Indian seafarers identified
Two Indian seafarers have been confirmed dead following a missile attack on the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo near the Port of Odesa. The ship, which was carrying grain, was struck by three missiles, resulting in ten total fatalities among the crew.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing risks to international maritime trade and civilian personnel operating in the conflict zone of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Two Indian seafarers have been identified among at least ten crew members killed when the general cargo vessel MV Golden Leo was struck by missiles while departing the Port of Odesa on Sunday (July 19, 2026). Two among the dead Indians dead have been identified as Chief Officer Akhil Jovan , 26, of Kerala, and Ordinary Seaman Abhishek Nishad, 21, of Uttar Pradesh. Both had signed on to the vessel at Istanbul on June 12.
The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, carrying a cargo of grain, came under attack at approximately 1600 hrs Ukraine local time as it exited the port. Three missiles struck the ship, according to official sources. A Ukrainian port pilot was on board at the time, guiding the vessel out of harbour.
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