India reports four Black Sea vessel attacks, crew status unknown

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said four commercial vessels were attacked in the Black Sea region over roughly two days, leaving Indian seafarers injured and the fate of the crew aboard one ship unknown. The ministry condemned the attacks and called for an end to strikes on commercial shipping and seafarers. Its account was delivered by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal; the reports reviewed largely reproduce the same official briefing. Jaiswal said the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan was attacked on Tuesday, October 6, and that authorities had not yet established what happened to its crew. The ship’s flag and the crew’s status were reported by the ministry, which said it was awaiting information. No further details about the vessel or its crew were provided in the briefing. The ministry said all 18 people aboard the Palau-flagged Able were rescued after a drone attack. Seven were Indian nationals, and one Indian seafarer was injured and receiving medical care. The crew was evacuated to Varna, Bulgaria, with assistance from Bulgarian authorities, whom the ministry thanked.