New Delhi: Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, a commercial cargo ship has once again become a victim of attack in the Black Sea region. A merchant vessel named MV AGN Ragnar was affected in this attack near Odessa port in Ukraine. Four Indian citizens were deployed on the ship as crew members. After the incident, the Indian Embassy in Kiev said that two of these Indians are safe, while two other sailors are still missing. Relief and rescue operations are continuing to search for them.
Helpline number released
The Indian Embassy said in a statement issued on social media platform X that it is continuously monitoring the entire incident. The Embassy is in touch with the local administration and concerned agencies so that the missing Indian citizens can be traced as soon as possible. Along with this, the Embassy has also issued a helpline number for assistance in emergency.
earlier attack
This latest attack has taken place at a time when incidents of attacks on merchant ships are increasing continuously in the Black Sea. A few days ago, a cargo ship named MV Golden Leo, which had departed from Odessa, was also attacked, in which four Indian sailors were killed. After that incident, the Indian government reacted strongly and lodged its protest with a senior Russian diplomat.
In view of the ever-increasing threat, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a new security advisory for Indian sailors and merchant navy personnel. The ministry has said that there has been a significant increase in missile and drone attacks in the Black Sea region since April, therefore all maritime personnel working on this route should exercise extra caution.
Search for Indian sailors continues
The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian seafarers to get complete information about the route of the ship, the ports at which it will stop, insurance arrangements, security arrangements and emergency assistance system before entering into a contract with any shipping company. At present, the Indian Embassy is monitoring the search for the two missing Indian sailors and is coordinating with the local administration. The government has assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected Indian citizens and their families.
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