In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that the vessel was attacked on July 18, 2026, while navigating the Black Sea, allegedly within Russian territorial waters. There were a total of 10 crew members aboard, including three Indian nationals.
Our statement on attack on Commercial Vessel MV OMORFI ⬇️
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— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 24, 2026
The MEA indicated that one Indian national lost his life in the attack, while the remaining two Indian crew members are reported to be safe. The ministry conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.
The MEA further mentioned that India’s Mission in Russia has reached out to the relevant authorities to ensure all possible support for the affected family.
In its condemnation of the attack, India stressed that targeting commercial vessels and jeopardizing the lives of innocent civilian crew members is intolerable. The nation also expressed concern regarding the rising threats to navigational freedom and international trade.
India called on all parties involved to adhere to their international responsibilities to guarantee the safety and security of maritime navigation and the seamless flow of global commerce.
Earlier on Tuesday, India summoned Russian Chargé d’affaires Vladimir Ladanov to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to raise a strong objection regarding the deaths of four Indian seafarers aboard the vessel MV Golden Leo.
The MEA stated it expressed India’s “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” concerning the attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel that occurred on Sunday.
It urged Ladanov to communicate India’s concerns to Moscow, emphasizing that attacks on commercial ships and the killing of civilians “are unacceptable and must be avoided.”
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