A devastating missile strike in the Black Sea has claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers after a commercial merchant vessel came under attack off the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to India's MEA, the attack targeted MV Golden Leo, a merchant vessel carrying an international crew. Five Indian nationals were on board at the time of the strike. Four lost their lives, while another remains in critical condition. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched KH-59 and KH-69 cruise missiles, with one missile striking the starboard side of the vessel shortly after it departed Odesa, triggering a massive fire. Ukraine has accused Russia of attacking an unarmed commercial ship, an allegation Moscow has not publicly addressed. The victims include Kerala mariner Akhil Joyan, who has been identified as the first Indian casualty in the incident. The shipping company has informed the bereaved families, while the Kerala government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and diplomatic authorities regarding assistance and repatriation. WATCH

A major maritime scare unfolded off the coast of Oman after the oil and chemical tanker Marivex caught fire while sailing toward Duqm with 24 Indian seafarers on board. A dramatic distress call from the vessel has gone viral, with crew members reporting severe damage, fire spreading across the ship and fears that the vessel could sink. The crew also claimed the ship may have been struck, although authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident. The vessel was sailing from Karwar in India to Oman when the fire broke out. Indian authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Shipping Ministry and Indian Navy, are closely monitoring the situation.