A 26-year-old Merchant Navy officer from Kerala, who had got engaged just weeks ago and was planning to switch jobs, was among the nine crew members killed after the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo came
under attack while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The deceased was identified as Akhil Joyan, a native of Vellarikundu village in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. Akhil, the only son of Joyan and Sally, had returned home on leave last month, got engaged and rejoined duty only a month ago.
According to family members, Akhil had planned to sign off from the vessel by the end of this month and move to another shipping company.
“Last month, he visited his parents and his wedding was fixed. Akhil was planning to sign off from this ship by the end of this month. He wanted to move to another firm,” a family source said, while speaking to The Indian Express.
Also Read: MEA Condemns Strike On Commercial Vessel Near Ukraine’s Odesa After 9 Indian Seafarers Killed
Akhil had joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 19 after completing a course in nautical science in Chennai and had been serving aboard the vessel for the past six years. Apart from his maritime career, he was also a noted tug-of-war athlete and held a world record in finger pulling.
His family learnt about the tragedy through an email from his employer earlier in the day. They are yet to receive details about the circumstances surrounding the explosion and are in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and other authorities for further information.
India Condemns Attack On Vessel
The MEA said the vessel had 17 crew members on board when it came under attack off the coast of Odesa.
“As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery,” the ministry said.
The government also condemned the attack on the commercial vessel.
“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the statement added.
The attack on MV Golden Leo comes amid continued security concerns in the Black Sea region, where commercial shipping has remained vulnerable since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
