Indian Seafarers Missing After Drone Attack in Black Sea

The Indian government informed the Supreme Court that two seafarers from India, who went missing after their cargo ship was attacked by a drone near Ukraine’s Odesa port in the Black Sea, have not been found. Despite extensive search and rescue operations conducted by Ukrainian authorities, Romanian maritime rescue teams, and other agencies, no trace of Deepak Kumar Gupta and Rama Chandra has been found.

The court was told that search efforts are currently on hold until new information emerges. The government is continuing its investigations and maintaining contact with all involved parties. The court also asked the government to help the families of the missing seafarers file insurance claims.

The case was brought forward by Deepak Gupta’s brother, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, who claimed that the family had reached out to the Indian government and embassies in Ukraine and Romania but received no response. The petitioner argued that their requests for assistance went unanswered between July 26 and July 30.

Deepak Gupta, 22, was working on the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar when it came under attack. His family originally lives in Siwan district, Bihar, but has been residing in Bharataul village, Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, for several years.

The government stated that despite all efforts, no progress has been made in locating the missing seafarers. The court was also told that insurance coverage is available for the seafarers under their employment contracts, and the government will assist their families in claiming this insurance.