4 Indians killed, one critically injured after ship hit in Black Sea attack near Odesa

The vessel, MV Golden Leo, had a total of 17 crew members on board when it was struck in the Black Sea.

MEA expresses condolences, condemns attack

Confirming the deaths, the MEA said India's Embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and assisting those affected.

"Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected," the ministry said.

The government extended its condolences to the families of the four deceased Indian nationals and wished the injured crew member a speedy recovery.

India also strongly condemned the attack, saying that targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian crew was unacceptable.

"Targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian crew, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and trade, is deplorable and should be avoided," the MEA said.

Ukraine blames Russia for missile strike

Ukrainian authorities said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after leaving Odesa port, describing it as the deadliest attack in recent weeks amid escalating violence in the Black Sea.

According to Ukraine's navy, the vessel, carrying a cargo of corn and crewed by Indian and Syrian nationals, caught fire following the missile strike.

Ukraine's seaports authority said a search-and-rescue operation continued through the night. It reported that nine crew members and one maritime pilot were killed, while eight of the 17 crew members were rescued.

Russia has not commented on Ukraine's allegation.

Mumbai company owns vessel

According to LSEG shipping data, the MV Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.

The ship had 17 crew members on board, including five Indians.

Violence escalates on both sides

The attack comes amid an intensifying exchange of strikes between Russia and Ukraine.

The governor of Ukraine's Odesa region said Russian attacks have killed 28 people in the region so far this month.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike on a bus in Russia's Belgorod region reportedly killed five people, including a child. Russian strikes on multiple Ukrainian cities also left at least eight people dead, underscoring the sharp escalation in hostilities in recent weeks.