23 Indians rescued after Ukrainian drone attack sets oil tanker on fire in Russian Black Sea | What we know | Today’s news
As many as 23 Indian crew members were rescued after a Ukrainian drone attacked an oil tanker off Russia’s southern coast on Tuesday night, endangering sailors, Russia’s transport ministry said, according to AFP.
The ministry said the tanker had been attacked by “maritime drones” and that oil was burning in the waters of the Black Sea. Firefighters will attempt to bring the fire under control again once the intensity of the fire has subsided.
The incident occurred near Sochi, a Russian resort town on the Black Sea coast with a population of nearly 500,000, AFP reported.
Videos and pictures circulating on social media showed bright orange flames burning at sea and a thick column of black smoke rising near the coast.
The attack on the tanker came a day after another commercial vessel caught fire and sank off the Romanian coast in the Black Sea, killing two foreign nationals. Several crew members, including three Indians, were injured, according to AFP.
The vessel, MV Royad Mammadov, was involved in the incident off the Romanian coast.
Romanian authorities rescued the injured crew members and provided them with medical treatment.
The incident added to growing concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in and around the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russia and Ukraine focus on commercial shipping
Russia and Ukraine have increasingly focused on infrastructure related to commercial shipping and energy since the start of the conflict in 2022.
In recent days, Russia has struck grain vessels carrying Ukrainian goods near Romania, a member of the European Union.
Meanwhile, Ukraine defends its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Both sides have signaled an escalation of attacks in recent weeks.
Russia has also stepped up airstrikes on Kyiv, including attacks on key bridges and daily drone strikes in the capital, disrupting traffic and daily life.
Previous Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities have reportedly caused oil spills, beach closures and other environmental damage.
India expresses concern
India expressed concern over continued threats to merchant shipping and called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflicts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Romanian authorities have rescued the injured crew members from the recent incidents and that they have received medical treatment, according to ANI. India also thanked Bucharest for its quick help, according to the news agency.
Indian Ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra visited three injured Indian citizens undergoing treatment at Constanța County Hospital and assured them of continued assistance, the Indian Embassy in Romania said.
Read also | Russia-Ukraine war escalates: 822 Ukrainian drones target Moscow and Rostov
The MEA also highlighted India’s role in co-launching the ‘Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers’ at the UN.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier raised concerns over attacks on merchant vessels during his speech at the UN General Assembly.
