Indian sailor killed in Black Sea attack on vessel MV Omorfi
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that have resulted in multiple Indian casualties.
Indian sailor killed in Black Sea attack on vessel MV Omorfi
An Indian national died after the commercial vessel MV OMORFI came under attack while transiting the Black Sea on 18 July 2026, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The incident reportedly took place within Russian territorial waters.
The MEA confirmed in a late-night statement that 10 crew members were on board the vessel during the strike. Three of those crew members were Indian nationals. While one Indian sailor lost his life, the other two are reported safe.
The Indian Embassy in Russia has contacted relevant authorities and is providing assistance to the victim's family. In its official communication, the ministry extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
India has issued a strong condemnation of the strike, describing the targeting of commercial shipping as a matter of serious concern
that places innocent civilian crew members at risk. The MEA stated that the freedom of navigation and international commerce are facing increasing threats.
"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. India calls upon all concerned parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce."
Ministry of External Affairs, via news.webindia123.com
This attack occurred just one day prior to another maritime strike on 19 July 2026. That incident targeted the MV Golden Leo, a cargo vessel flagged in Guinea-Bissau, shortly after it departed from the Ukrainian port of Odesa.
The MV Golden Leo carried 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. That attack resulted in the deaths of four Indian crew members and left another critically injured. Following the MV Golden Leo incident, the MEA reiterated that commercial shipping and non-combatant civilian crews must not be targeted, and confirmed that the Indian mission in Ukraine was supporting those impacted.
The back-to-back strikes have elevated safety concerns for commercial navigation and world trade routes in the Black Sea. The region continues to see escalating conflicts and renewed tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which pose growing hazards to civilian shipping lanes.
India continues to urge all parties involved to meet their international responsibilities to maintain secure maritime navigation.
