The Indian Embassy in Ukraine said on Sunday that a cargo ship carrying four Indians was attacked at the Odessa port; Two of these people are safe, while information about the remaining two is awaited. The embassy said in a post on ‘X’ that a search and rescue operation was underway.
The Indian Embassy also said that it is in touch with the relevant authorities. “The Embassy of India in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation following the incident with MV AGN Ragnar at Odessa port on July 25. There were four Indian nationals on board. As per the latest information, two have been confirmed safe, and information about the remaining two nationals is awaited. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The Embassy is in constant touch with the concerned authorities,” the embassy said in a post on ‘X’.
The Indian Embassy also provided contact information. It said, “Contact points, Embassy of India, Ukraine: cons.kyiv@mea.gov.in, cons1.kyiv@mea.gov.in. Our emergency contact number – +380933559958, Aji Kumar, SS (Consular) @MEAIndia.” Due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the security situation in the Black Sea and its adjacent maritime areas remains very unstable. In view of this, the Government has advised Indian nationals who wish to take up employment on commercial vessels operating in this region to carefully assess the existing security risks before accepting such work.
What did the government say in the advisory?
In a detailed advisory issued to Indian nationals seeking employment on commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea region, the Ministry of External Affairs said it should be ensured that the terms and conditions of employment are in line with applicable international maritime standards. The ministry said Indian nationals requiring consular assistance are advised to contact the Indian Embassy or Consulates in the region.