New Delhi / Bucharest, October 6, 2026 – Three Indian nationals were among the crew of a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel that was struck by Russian drones in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of the ship’s captain and another crew member. Eleven crew members were rescued, including the three Indians, one of whom sustained injuries.
The vessel, identified as MV Royad Mammadov (flagged to St Kitts and Nevis), was carrying corn and was en route from Ukraine’s Danube port of Izmail toward Ravenna, Italy, when it was hit by two drones in neutral waters outside Romania’s territorial waters. The attack caused a fire on board, and the ship later sank approximately 30 nautical miles south of Sfântu Gheorghe in Romania’s exclusive economic zone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the incident as “a horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Türkiye.” He noted that Azerbaijani and Indian citizens were on board and confirmed that the captain had been killed, offering condolences while the fate of one other person was being clarified. Eleven crew members were rescued, one of them injured.
The Embassy of India in Romania stated that preliminary information indicated two casualties (foreign nationals) and injuries among some crew members who were receiving medical treatment in Romania. It confirmed that three Indian nationals were part of the crew. Later updates affirmed that all three Indians are safe; one was injured and is under medical care at Constanța County Hospital. Indian Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra spoke with the crew members and hospital authorities, confirming they are in good health, and the mission is providing all possible support.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the attack as “completely unacceptable.” The incident adds to ongoing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and Indian seafarers in conflict zones, including the Black Sea, where previous attacks have also affected Indian crew members.
Romanian authorities coordinated the rescue operation. The Black Sea remains a critical global trade route facing disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with repeated incidents targeting commercial vessels and port infrastructure raising broader maritime security concerns.