With Indian Sailor Deaths on Black Sea Up to Five, MEA Issues Advisory

The MEA said that Indian nationals who want to work on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region are 'advised to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments.'

The Wire Staff

with indian sailor deaths on black sea up to five mea issues advisory

Smoke rises from the grain carrier MV Golden Leo after it was struck close to Odesa, Ukraine on July 19, 2026. Four Indian mariners aboard the vessel were killed by the attack and another was critically injured. Photo: AP/PTI.

New Delhi: Two days after it emerged that one seafarer was killed after a ship came under attack on July 18 while passing through the Black Sea, the government has issued an advice of caution to Indians, asking them to exercise utmost caution before accepting such assignments.

The total number of Indian seafarers killed in the Ukraine war is now up to five.

The July 18 attack is the second on a commercial vessel carrying Indian sailors within a week.

"The security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. Since April 2026, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents on commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of 5 Indian lives," the Ministry of External Affairs said on July 26.

The news of the July 18 incident comes less than a week after four Indian merchant seafarers were killed and another critically injured when the bulk carrier MV Golden Leo was struck after departing Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa.

The MEA said that Indian nationals who want to work on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region are "advised to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments."

It has also listed the following precautions for those who choose to take up assignments on ships passing through the area. The following is a direct quote from the advisory:

i. Obtain comprehensive information from employers/ recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel's intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage, and emergency response procedures. Ensure that the terms of employment comply with applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in the event of an emergency.

ii. Keep family members informed of your itinerary and maintain regular contact.

iii. Regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, and other relevant Government of India authorities, as well as safety instructions issued by vessel operators and the competent maritime authorities. In particular, Indian nationals are advised to refer to the recent Security Advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on 23 July 2026. (Security Advisory_DGMA)

The MEA advised Indian nationals requiring consular assistance to contact the Embassy of India or Consulates in the region and added the emergency numbers: +7 9652773414 (Russia) and +38 0933559958 (Ukraine).

Indian seafarers have been in significant danger in West Asian seas too where the US military has briefly paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing. Ships have been increasingly navigating a southern route along the coast of Oman. Thirteen Indian nationals have been killed and three others remain missing in the Gulf.

This article went live on July twenty-sixth, two thousand twenty six, at twenty-nine minutes past twelve at noon.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.