New Delhi: Three Indian sailors rescued from a commercial vessel attacked in the Black Sea have departed Romania for India, bringing a crucial development in the evacuation of the crew following an incident that killed two foreign seafarers and injured several others.
The Embassy of India in Bucharest confirmed the departure of Sahil Sandhu, Ashwini Kumar and Harman Singh in a statement shared on social media on October 10. The embassy said it had provided the necessary assistance to facilitate their return and thanked Romanian authorities, Constanta County Hospital and Romanian rescue teams for their support.
The three Indians were among the crew members aboard the MV Royad Mammadov, which came under attack in the Black Sea on October 5. Romanian authorities reported two fatalities and the rescue of crew members following a fire aboard the vessel. The exact circumstances of the attack remain contested, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attributing it to Russian drones. Romania has not independently confirmed the origin of the fire.
Following the incident, the Indian embassy established contact with the three nationals and coordinated with local authorities to ensure their safety and medical care. Officials subsequently confirmed that all three were in stable condition. Two were accommodated at a hotel in Romania, while the third received treatment at Constanta County Hospital.
An embassy representative visited the rescued sailors and coordinated with local police, medical personnel and the shipping company’s local agent to arrange assistance. Essential items, including mobile phones, were provided through the agent, while Indian meals were arranged through a local restaurant.
India had condemned the attack, expressing concern over the growing risks faced by commercial vessels and seafarers operating in the Black Sea region. The Ministry of External Affairs said attacks on international shipping threatened the safety of civilian crews and disrupted global commerce. It reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to bring ongoing conflicts to an end.
The incident comes amid wider concerns about maritime security in waters affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. Commercial ships transporting essential commodities continue to face risks as military activity threatens established shipping routes.
India and Liberia launched the 25 nation Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026. The initiative seeks to strengthen international cooperation to protect merchant crews and commercial shipping.
The departure of the three Indians marks progress in their return home, while questions surrounding the attack underline the continuing vulnerability of civilian seafarers in conflict affected waters.
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