All three Indian nationals aboard the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov are safe after the ship came under attack in the Black Sea, although one Indian crew member sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment in Romania.

The incident resulted in the deaths of two foreign nationals and left several other crew members injured, prompting a medical evacuation and emergency response operation.

According to the Embassy of India in Romania, the vessel was attacked while operating in the Black Sea. Preliminary information indicated two fatalities among non-Indian crew members, while injured personnel were transported to Romania for treatment.

The embassy subsequently confirmed that all three Indian nationals on board were out of danger. One of the Indians suffered injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, with Indian diplomatic officials maintaining close contact with hospital authorities to monitor his condition.

Indian officials have spoken directly with the affected crew members and assured them of all possible assistance. The embassy stated that it remains committed to supporting the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian seafarers involved in the incident.

Indian Ambassador to Romania, Manoj Mohapatra, personally spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving care at Constanța County Hospital. He also held discussions with the hospital's chief physician, who confirmed that all three Indians were in stable condition, in good health and receiving the necessary medical care.

The Indian mission continues to work closely with Romanian authorities and other relevant agencies to gather further details about the attack while ensuring continued assistance for the Indian crew members.

Additional reports indicate that the vessel was operating in the western Black Sea near Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone when a fire broke out on board. Romanian rescue authorities launched a major search-and-rescue operation, evacuating survivors and transferring injured crew members for urgent medical treatment.

The ship was reportedly carrying a multinational crew that included Indian and Azerbaijani nationals. Several reports suggest the vessel was transporting grain from Ukraine towards Italy when the incident occurred, highlighting the continued risks facing commercial shipping operating in the conflict-affected Black Sea region.

The attack comes amid growing concerns over maritime security across several strategic waterways, including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea. Commercial vessels have repeatedly faced threats in these regions, raising international concerns over the safety of merchant shipping and civilian seafarers.

The issue was highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he warned that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers had become a serious challenge to global maritime security.

Jaishankar noted that Indian seafarers, along with mariners from other countries, had lost their lives in recent attacks and described such incidents as completely unacceptable.

He also emphasised India's participation alongside Liberia and 23 partner countries in an international coalition aimed at mobilising global opinion in defence of commercial shipping routes and freedom of navigation.

Stressing the importance of maritime stability, Jaishankar urged the international community to ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers are never compromised and underscored the importance of adhering to international law.

The External Affairs Minister further called for restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf region to protect civilian crews, safeguard global trade flows and prevent disruptions to international energy supplies.

ANI