Russia's missile attack on the Golden Leo cargo ship has left 10 dead, with 8 crew members rescued, raising concerns over maritime safety.
The death toll from the missile attack by Russia on the cargo ship Golden Leo, which departed from Ukraine's Odessa Port, has risen to 10.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the general cargo ship Golden Leo, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was targeted by Russia as it set sail into the Black Sea after loading corn at Odessa Port. The Ukrainian Navy reported that the ship was hit by three cruise missiles, one of which struck the superstructure on the starboard side, causing a fire on board.
Following overnight search and rescue operations, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority announced that the number of fatalities from the attack had risen to 10, while 8 crew members were rescued alive. The rescued sailors were taken to hospitals in Odessa for treatment.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed that 4 Indian citizens lost their lives in the attack and that 1 Indian sailor was seriously injured, condemning the assault on commercial vessels. Officials noted that attacks on commercial maritime transport pose a threat to international maritime trade and navigation safety.
According to maritime records obtained by Reuters, the Golden Leo is owned by Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd., based in Mumbai. The ship was targeted shortly after departing Odessa with a cargo of corn.
The attack has been recorded as one of the deadliest assaults on commercial vessels in the Black Sea in recent times. Experts warn that the increasing security risks in the region could exert new pressures on grain trade and international maritime transport.
Editor's Note: While some maritime industry sources in Turkey indicate that the Golden Leo is part of the Mersin-based Ocean Grace Shipping fleet and operated by Friends Shipping, this information does not align with international ship registries. The current records obtained by Reuters indicate that the owner is Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd., operating in Mumbai, India. Therefore, it is recommended that the ownership information be clarified with an official company statement.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
