Kasaragod/New Delhi: A 26-year-old man from Kerala, who was working in the merchant navy, died after his ship came under attack off Ukraine, people close to his family claimed on Monday, news agency PTI reported. The Chief Minister's Office said official confirmation was awaited. The vessel -- M V Golden Leo -- had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.

The deceased was identified as Akhil Joyan, the only son of Joyan and Sally, residents of Vellarikkundu in Kasaragod district, who was likely to reach home in the coming months to get married. Shobi Joseph, ward member of Vellarikkundu in Balal grama panchayat, told PTI that the family received an email about Akhil''s death from the shipping company on Monday evening.

Sailor was engaged recently

"We are trying to gather more details and complete the necessary formalities. He joined the merchant navy at the age of 19," Joseph said.

According to him, Akhil had returned to his native place around three months ago for his engagement ceremony. "His marriage was scheduled to take place two months from now. The bride is from Alappuzha district. He returned to work a month back," he said.

Joseph said Akhil was well known in the locality and a popular tug-of-war player. "He was known as a well-behaved and disciplined youngster," he said. Joseph said Akhil''s father worked at an electrical shop while his mother was an insurance agent. "They are an ordinary family, and their future depended largely on Akhil. They had recently constructed a house," Joseph said.

He added that the family was in touch with the local MP and MLA to obtain assistance for the repatriation of the body and other formalities.

As per foreign media reports, Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority said a cargo vessel flying the flag of the West African country of Guinea-Bissau was hit by Russian forces on Sunday, shortly after it left the port of Odesa, killing 10 of its crew.

India condemns attack on merchant vessel

India condemned the attack and reiterated that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members is "deplorable and should be avoided". New Delhi, however, did not clarify who carried out the attack. "On the evening of July 19, the vessel MV Golden Leo was attacked while departing the port of Odesa. At the time of the incident, there were 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals," the MEA said.

"As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition," it said.

The MEA said the Indian mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and 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," it said.

"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 MEA said in a statement. The incident came amid escalating hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.

(With inputs from PTI)

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