What happened (Black Sea incidents involving Indian seafarers)
India issued maritime employment advisories that warned Indian seafarers about risks connected to the Black Sea region. The advisories and diplomatic engagement were linked to attacks on merchant ships in the region and the reported need for search and rescue and status updates for Indian nationals.
Two maritime incidents were highlighted for Indian seafarers and India’s reported response:
1) MV AGN Ragnar at the port of Odesa MV AGN Ragnar was struck at the port of Odesa.A day after the MV AGN Ragnar strike, four Indian nationals were reported to be on board.Two Indian nationals were confirmed safe.Information was awaited about the other two Indian nationals.Search and rescue was reported as underway for the Indian nationals whose status was unknown.
2) MV Golden Leo attack and diplomatic reaction On 19 July, MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship, was hit by projectiles.The MV Golden Leo attack led to deaths of 10 seafarers, including four Indians.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires in India after the MV Golden Leo incident.
Background (maritime advisory guidance and consular engagement)
Related current affairs
- Indian seafarers urged to follow advisories amid Black Sea incidents; search and rescue continues
- Indian seafarers urged to follow maritime advisories; search and rescue after ship incidents in Odesa/Black Sea
- Centre warns Indian seafarers about jobs in ‘volatile’ Black Sea
- 4 Indian seafarers killed near Odessa
- Nilekani to lead task force on exam reforms (exam advisory / seafarer rescue brief)
- 7th High-Level Meeting between Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard held in Chennai
