New Delhi: Three Indian nationals rescued from the Turkish-owned cargo vessel MV Royad Mammadov after it was attacked 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 — survived the attack, which took place on Monday while the vessel was sailing outside Romania’s territorial waters. One of the Indians sustained injuries and received medical treatment in Romania.
The Indian Embassy said it provided the necessary assistance to facilitate their return and thanked Romanian authorities, Constanta County Hospital and rescue teams for their support.
What Happened To The Indian Crew Members On MV Royad Mammadov?
The vessel was struck while carrying a cargo of corn from Ukraine’s Izmail port to Ravenna in Italy.
Two foreign seafarers were killed in the attack, while several crew members were injured. The nationalities of those killed were not immediately known.
The three Indian nationals were rescued on October 6. In an update issued on October 7, the Indian Embassy said all three were in stable condition.
Two of the rescued Indians were accommodated at a hotel, while the third remained under treatment at Constanta County Hospital.
How Did The Indian Embassy Help The Rescued Seafarers?
The Indian Embassy in Bucharest coordinated with Romanian authorities and other agencies to support the three Indians following their rescue.
According to the mission, assistance included arranging essential items such as mobile phones through the shipping company’s local agent. Indian food was also arranged through a local restaurant.
The embassy remained in contact with the relevant authorities while facilitating the seafarers’ return to India.
Where Was The MV Royad Mammadov Attacked?
The cargo vessel was attacked in the Black Sea outside Romania’s territorial waters on Monday, October 5, according to the account provided by the Indian Embassy and reports on the incident.
The ship was transporting corn from Izmail, a Ukrainian port, to Ravenna in Italy when it was struck.
The attack highlights the risks faced by commercial shipping operating in the Black Sea amid the wider conflict involving Russia and Ukraine. The precise circumstances of the strike and responsibility for the attack should be confirmed through official updates.
How Many Indian Seafarers Work Across The World?
India is one of the world’s largest sources of maritime professionals. According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India contributes 311,936 seafarers, accounting for an estimated 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce.
The report places India behind the Philippines and ahead of China, Russia and Indonesia in the supply of seafarers.
The return of the three Indians brings the immediate focus of the incident to their safe journey home, following the rescue operation and medical assistance provided in Romania.
