Commercial Vessels Attacked In Black Sea, 31 Indian Crew Members Safe, One Injured: MEA Condemns Incident

Last Updated:October 07, 2026, 7:29 pm IST

India condemned attacks on three commercial vessels in the Black Sea, with 31 Indian crew members rescued and one injured, the MEA said.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addresses a media briefing in New Delhi. (File photo)

India has condemned attacks on three commercial vessels in the Black Sea and called for an immediate end to such incidents, stressing that commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the vessels Alfa Watan, Able and Aframax Rio came under attack in the Black Sea. The ministry also provided an update on the Indian crew members aboard two of the vessels.

Seven Indians Among Crew Of Vessel Able

The MEA said Able, a Palau-flagged vessel, had a total crew of 18, including seven Indian nationals. One of the Indian crew members was injured in the attack.

With assistance from the Bulgarian authorities, the crew members were evacuated and taken to Varna, Bulgaria. The injured Indian national is receiving medical treatment, the ministry said.

India also thanked the Bulgarian authorities for their support in evacuating and assisting the crew.

All 23 Indian Crew Members On Aframax Rio Rescued

The ministry said all 23 crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged Aframax Rio are Indian nationals and have been rescued.

The MEA did not provide further details about their condition in its statement.

India Awaits Information On Alfa Watan Crew

The third vessel named by the MEA, Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, was also attacked in the Black Sea.

India said it was awaiting information about the crew members aboard the vessel.

India Calls For Immediate End To Attacks

The MEA said the continued attacks on commercial shipping were a matter of “deep concern” for India.

“Targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must end,” the ministry said, reiterating its call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interest of peace and stability.

The statement underlined India’s concern over the safety of commercial vessels and seafarers amid continuing incidents in the Black Sea.

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Which commercial vessels were attacked in the Black Sea according to the MEA statement?

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the commercial vessels Alfa Watan, Able, and Aframax Rio came under attack in the Black Sea.

What is the status of the Indian crew members aboard the vessel Able?

The Palau-flagged vessel Able had seven Indian nationals among its 18 crew members, with one Indian crew member injured and evacuated to Varna, Bulgaria, for medical treatment with the help of Bulgarian authorities.

How many Indian crew members were on the Aframax Rio during the Black Sea attack?

All 23 crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged vessel Aframax Rio were Indian nationals, and the MEA confirmed they have all been rescued.

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Pragya Bahuguna

Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More

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