Nine Indian seafarers aboard the chemical tanker YARA J have been confirmed safe after the vessel docked at Romania's Port of Constanta, according to the Indian embassy in Bucharest. The embassy said the crew members were accounted for following the ship's arrival at the Black Sea port.
Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra discussed the situation with Romanian authorities and the tanker's company security officer, and also spoke with SAR Romania and MRCC Constanta. He assured the seafarers of the Indian government's complete support and assistance. The vessel's IMO number is 9221803.
Embassy confirms crew safe
The Indian embassy in Bucharest confirmed that all nine Indian crew members on the YARA J are safe. The confirmation came as the chemical tanker docked at Port Constanta, Romania's main Black Sea harbour.
Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra held discussions with Romanian authorities and the tanker's company security officer regarding the situation. He also spoke with Romania's search and rescue service and the Constanta maritime rescue coordination centre.
The ambassador promised the seafarers the Indian government's complete support and assistance. The embassy did not provide further details about the circumstances that led to the vessel's arrival at Constanta.
Three Indians return home from MV Royad Mammadov
Separately, three Indian seafarers rescued from the MV Royad Mammadov have flown back to India. They were identified as Sahil Sandhu, Ashwini Kumar and Harman Singh.
The embassy said it provided them with all needed help for their journey home. India thanked Romania's authorities, Constanta County Hospital and rescue teams for their assistance.
The MV Royad Mammadov was attacked while sailing in the Black Sea, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs. Three Indians were aboard the vessel; all were safe, though one was injured and receiving treatment.
New Delhi condemns Black Sea attacks
New Delhi condemned attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea on October 7. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such strikes threaten trade and endanger seafarers.
Jaiswal said the MV Royad Mammadov was attacked while sailing in the Black Sea. He thanked Romanian authorities for assisting in that incident.
India renewed its call for dialogue and diplomacy to ease regional tensions and restore peace. The ministry has repeatedly urged restraint amid heightened risks to shipping in the region.
What it means for Gulf residents and businesses
The Black Sea is a key corridor for grain, energy and other commodities, and disruptions there can ripple through global shipping routes that Gulf ports and traders rely on. Attacks on commercial vessels raise insurance and freight costs, which can eventually reach consumers.
For the many Indian expatriates in the UAE and wider Gulf, the safety of seafarers is a direct concern. Crews from South Asia make up a significant share of the global maritime workforce, and incidents in contested waters are followed closely by families back home.
India's diplomatic engagement with Romania highlights the role of consular support in protecting nationals abroad. For Gulf businesses, the episode underscores the importance of monitoring maritime security and having contingency plans for supply chains that pass through volatile regions.