The Indian Embassy in Romania has confirmed that all three Indian nationals who were serving aboard the commercial cargo vessel MV Royad Mammadov are safe following a serious maritime incident in the Black Sea. One of the Indian sailors was injured in the incident and is receiving medical treatment at Constanta County Hospital in Romania.
The vessel was reportedly targeted by Russian drones while operating in the Black Sea on October 5, 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that two Russian drones struck the civilian vessel, causing a fire that eventually led to the ship sinking. However, Romanian authorities confirmed the fire and rescue operation but did not independently establish the cause of the incident. Russia had not immediately responded to the allegation.
The ship involved was identified as the MV Royad Mammadov. It was Turkish-owned and was carrying corn from the Ukrainian port of Izmail towards Ravenna in Italy. Importantly, available reports identify the vessel as being registered under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, rather than the Turkish flag. The ship was operating in the Black Sea, in Romania's exclusive economic zone and outside Romanian territorial waters.
The incident caused serious concern because civilian commercial vessels continue to operate in a region affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Black Sea is an important maritime route for the transportation of agricultural commodities, including grain and corn, from Ukraine to international markets. Any attack or disruption involving commercial shipping can therefore have consequences for both seafarers and global trade.
According to Romanian authorities, 11 crew members were rescued after the incident. Two people were also reported dead. The nationalities of those who died were initially not immediately confirmed by Romanian authorities. Ukrainian officials said the crew included Indian and Azerbaijani nationals. The ship's captain was reported to have died in the incident, according to Zelenskyy's account.
The Indian Embassy in Romania moved quickly to establish contact with the Indian crew members. In its subsequent update, the mission said that all three Indian nationals were safe. One of them had suffered injuries and was receiving medical attention. The embassy also said it was maintaining close contact with the hospital authorities and providing all possible assistance to the Indian crew members.
Indian Ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra also spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanta County Hospital. The hospital's chief physician confirmed that the Indian crew members were in good health and receiving the necessary medical care. The ambassador assured them of continued assistance and support.
The latest development is significant for India because Indian seafarers are employed on commercial vessels operating on international shipping routes, including areas affected by armed conflicts. The Black Sea has become increasingly dangerous for civilian shipping since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Commercial vessels have faced risks from drones, missiles, mines and other military activity in and around the region.
The latest incident also highlights the challenges faced by shipping companies and seafarers who continue to use routes around Ukraine and the Black Sea. The MV Royad Mammadov had reportedly departed from Izmail, an important Ukrainian port close to the Romanian border. The port has become an important route for Ukrainian agricultural exports during the war, as shipping operators seek alternative routes for transporting goods to international markets.
The incident occurred amid continuing military activity in the wider Black Sea region. Romania, which is a NATO member and shares a long border with Ukraine, has previously dealt with security incidents involving drones and sea mines in the Black Sea. These developments have increased concerns about the safety of commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure.
For India, the immediate priority remains the safety and medical condition of its citizens involved in the incident. The embassy has indicated that it is maintaining contact with the affected sailors and Romanian authorities. The confirmation that all three Indian nationals are safe has provided some relief despite the serious circumstances surrounding the vessel.
The cause of the incident remains a matter of competing accounts. Ukraine has blamed Russian drones for the attack, while Romanian authorities have confirmed that the ship caught fire and sank without independently attributing the cause to Russia. Russia had not immediately issued a public response to the allegation at the time of the latest reports. Therefore, the circumstances surrounding the attack should continue to be described as reported or alleged until independently established.
The episode has once again raised questions about the safety of civilian vessels travelling through conflict-affected maritime routes. The presence of Indian nationals among the crew has also brought renewed attention to the risks faced by Indian seafarers working in international waters. With the Black Sea remaining a key route for agricultural exports and commercial shipping, ensuring the safety of civilian vessels and their crews remains a major international concern.
At present, the key update from India is that all three Indian crew members aboard the MV Royad Mammadov are safe. One sailor is receiving medical treatment in Romania, while the Indian Embassy continues to monitor the situation and provide assistance.
