Three Indian nationals aboard a commercial vessel attacked allegedly by Russian drones in the Black Sea left the vessel’s captain dead and one of its Indian crew members injured. The injured Indian is receiving medical treatment in Romania, the Embassy of India in Romania said on Monday, 5th October. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of carrying out the attack.
The Turkish-owned vessel, MV Royad Mammadov, came under attack by Russian drones while sailing in the Black Sea, carrying corn and heading towards Ravenna in Italy. It was sailing under the flag of St Kitts & Nevis and had last docked at the Ukrainian port of Izmail.
Two foreign nationals were killed in the incident, while several crew members were injured and taken to Romania for medical treatment. The Indian embassy said it was in contact with the three Indian crew members and the hospital authorities to ensure their safety and provide all possible assistance.
“All three Indian nationals are safe. We have spoken to them. One of them has been injured and is receiving medical attention. We are in close touch with the hospital authorities. We are extending all possible support for the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian crew members,” the Indian embassy in Romania said in a post on X.
All three Indian nationals are safe. We have spoken to them. One of them has been injured and is receiving medical attention. We are in close touch with the hospital authorities. We are extending all possible support for the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian crew members. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts
— India in Romania (@eoiromania) October 5, 2026
Indian Ambassador speaks to crew members
Indian Ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra also spoke with the three Indian nationals who were receiving treatment at Constanța County Hospital following the attack.
According to the embassy, the ambassador spoke to the hospital’s chief physician, who confirmed that all three Indians were in good health and receiving the required medical care.
“Amb Manoj Mohapatra spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanța County Hospital. He also spoke with the hospital’s Chief Physician, who confirmed that all three are in good health and receiving necessary care. The Ambassador assured them of all possible assistance and support,” the embassy said.
The Indian mission said it remained in contact with the relevant authorities to gather more information about the attack and monitor the condition of the Indian crew members.
What happened to MV Royad Mammadov?
According to preliminary information shared by the Indian embassy, MV Royad Mammadov was attacked while sailing in the Black Sea. The incident left two foreign nationals dead and injured several crew members.
The injured crew members were taken to Romania, where they are receiving medical treatment. The exact circumstances and nature of the attack are still being ascertained by the authorities.
We have learnt of an attack today on commercial vessel MV ROYAD MAMMADOV in the Black Sea. As per preliminary information, there have been 2 casualties (foreign nationals) while some crew members have been injured and are undergoing medical treatment in Romania. It is further reported that there are three Indian nationals among the crew members. Mission is in close contact with the relevant authorities to ascertain further details about the safety and welfare of the Indian nationals. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @PIB_India @DDNewslive
— India in Romania (@eoiromania) October 5, 2026
The incident comes at a time when commercial shipping faces security challenges across several important maritime routes, including the Black Sea, Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Ships and their crews have faced attacks and other security threats in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of international trade and seafarers.
Jaishankar raises concern over attacks on ships
The incident also comes shortly after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers during his address to the United Nations General Assembly.
“New challenges in the maritime domain have added to longstanding ones on land. There have been attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea. Indian seafarers have lost their lives, as have others from other nations. This is completely unacceptable,” Jaishankar said.
He also said India had joined Liberia and 23 partner countries in an international coalition aimed at building global support for the safety of commercial shipping routes.
“We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised. Scrupulously observing international law is an integral element of that endeavour,” Jaishankar said.
