Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 11: Three Indian nationals rescued from the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov following an attack in the Black Sea have departed for India, the Embassy of India in Bucharest said on Saturday.
The three seafarers, Sahil Sandhu, Ashwini Kumar and Harman Singh, were provided with the necessary assistance by the Indian Embassy to facilitate their return home.
In a post on X, the Embassy expressed gratitude to the Romanian authorities, Constan?a County Hospital and Romanian rescue teams for their assistance in rescuing the crew members and making arrangements for their return.
The development follows an attack on MV Royad Mammadov on Monday, in which two foreign seafarers were killed and several crew members, including the three Indians, were injured.
The Embassy had earlier confirmed that all three Indians were in stable condition. Two were accommodated at a hotel, while the third was receiving treatment at the County Hospital in Constan?a.
An Embassy representative visited the injured seafarers on Tuesday and assured them of all necessary assistance for their safe and early return to India. Essential items, including mobile phones, were arranged through the shipping company’s local agent, while Indian food was provided through a local Indian restaurant.
The Embassy representative also met local police officials, the shipping company’s agent and treating doctors to coordinate the assistance.
India had condemned the attack on the commercial vessel and expressed concern over the safety of international shipping routes and seafarers.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the injured crew members had been rescued by Romanian authorities and were receiving medical attention. It also confirmed that the three Indian nationals were safe.
The ministry said attacks on international waterways threatened global commerce and the welfare of people worldwide, reiterating India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to end ongoing conflicts.
India has also highlighted its role in the 25-nation Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, launched jointly with Liberia during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to promote the safety of merchant crews and commercial shipping against targeted attacks.