Indian vessel crew safe following strike at Odesa port in Ukraine

A strike hit the port of Odesa, Ukraine, on Wednesday, damaging a vessel that was carrying four Indian nationals. Two of the Indian crew members have been confirmed safe, while efforts continue to locate the other two. The Indian government promptly issued a fresh advisory urging all Indian nationals to avoid taking up work on vessels operating in the Black Sea region, citing 'highly volatile' conditions. The advisory comes amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has made the Black Sea a dangerous zone for commercial shipping, especially since the collapse of the grain deal earlier this year. Odesa, a key Ukrainian port, has been repeatedly targeted by Russian strikes. The incident highlights the risks faced by Indian seafarers, who make up a significant portion of the global maritime workforce. The Indian External Affairs Ministry is coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of all crew members. The shipping industry is now watching whether this strike will lead to tighter restrictions on vessels operating in the area.