Efforts to repatriate body of Kasaragod native killed in boat attack

The Indian Embassy has intensified efforts to repatriate the body of Akhil Joel (26), a native of AKG Nagar, Kasaragod, who was among the four Indians killed after a cargo ship was hit in an alleged Russian missile attack off the coast of Odessa, Ukraine.

According to officials of NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Ministry of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NoRKA) under the Kerala government, the embassy has asked the family to conduct a DNA test to identify the body. The body is expected to be repatriated within two weeks after the testing procedures are completed.

The missile attack took place near the port of Odessa on the MV Golden Leo, which sailed under the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Mr. Joel served as the ship’s chief officer. NoRKA-Roots CEO Asif K. Yusuf is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Mission in Ukraine to speed up procedures for repatriating the body, authorities said.

Published – 22 Jul 2026 20:39 IST