The collapse of Mumbai’s ship ‘MV Golden Leo’ due to Russian missiles at Odessa port in Ukraine and the death of 4 Indians, is this a part of some big international conspiracy? Why did the commercial ship become the target? Know the truth.
Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine’s historic Odessa Port turned into a gruesome crematorium on the evening of July 19. MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial cargo ship loaded with maize, was hit by Russian cruise missiles as it approached the port. According to the Ukrainian Navy, Russia fired three cruise missiles one after the other targeting the ship. As soon as the missiles hit, a massive fire broke out on the ship and there was screaming. It is being considered the most deadly and horrific attack so far amid weeks of violence in the Black Sea, which has shaken international maritime trade.
Missiles fired as soon as they left Odessa port
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ‘MV Golden Leo’ was leaving Odessa Port on the evening of 19 July. A total of 17 crew members were present on the ship, including five Indian citizens. Then there was a fierce attack on the ship. Within a few moments the ship was engulfed in flames and there was screaming. Ukrainian officials claim that the attack was carried out by Russian cruise missiles. According to the Ukrainian Navy, three cruise missiles were fired at the ship, causing a massive fire. Authorities have described it as one of the deadliest attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea in recent weeks.
Death of four Indians, a battle between life and death
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that four Indian citizens have died in the attack, while an Indian crew member is seriously injured. The ministry expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and said the Indian Mission in Ukraine is continuously monitoring the situation. The ministry statement said the Indian Embassy is in constant touch with the local administration to provide all possible assistance to the affected citizens and their families.
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Did that Mumbai shipping company have any apprehension?
According to the data of London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), this ill-fated ship is owned by ‘Ocean Grace Shipping Limited’, a well-known Mumbai company. At the time of the attack, there were a total of 17 crew members on board the ship, which included citizens of India and Syria. There were also 5 Indians in this group who were traveling on this dangerous route for their livelihood. In the rescue operation that started at midnight, the Ukrainian Seaport Authority somehow evacuated 8 people safely, but the lives of 9 crew members and a maritime pilot could not be saved. This tragedy has left the Indian shipping industry and the affected families in deep shock.
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Big statement of the Ministry of External Affairs: What will be India’s next step?
The death of 4 Indian citizens has been confirmed in this horrific attack, while 1 Indian crew member is fighting for life and death in the hospital. The Ministry of External Affairs of India has taken a very strong stand and strongly condemned this cowardly attack. India bluntly said that targeting commercial ships, endangering the lives of innocent crew members and hindering the freedom of international trade is completely ‘condemnable’ and should be avoided at all costs. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and said that the Indian Mission in Ukraine is keeping a close watch on the situation round the clock and is providing all possible help to the affected.
Odessa turned into a battlefield, only devastation all around!
This attack is not an isolated incident, rather the bloody game of death continues in Odessa and its surrounding areas. According to the governor of the Odessa region, 28 people have died in Russian attacks this month alone. On the other hand, on Monday, a Ukrainian drone targeted a bus in Belgorod, Russia, killing five people, including a child, while eight more people lost their lives in Russian attacks on several Ukrainian cities. This fire of vengeance between the two countries has now gone out of control, which has started engulfing innocent citizens and international workers.
The fire of war now extends to maritime trade?
The Black Sea has long been an important center of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Odessa is Ukraine’s most important port, from where grain and other essential goods are shipped around the world. In such a situation, attacks on merchant ships are becoming a serious threat to the global supply chain, food security and maritime trade. Meanwhile, the Governor of Ukraine’s Odessa region said that so far 28 people have died in Russian attacks this month. On the other hand, five people, including a child, died in a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Belgorod region, while at least eight people have also died in Russian attacks on several cities in Ukraine. It is clear from this that the conflict between the two countries is continuously becoming more deadly.
Are international sea routes no longer safe?
The attack on ‘MV Golden Leo’ is not just an attack on a ship, but is being considered a serious warning for global maritime security. When the fire of war reaches merchant ships and civilian crews, its impact is not limited to the warring countries, but to the economy, supply chains and human security of the entire world. Now the biggest question is – has the ongoing war in the Black Sea become a sign of a new and bigger crisis for international maritime trade?
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