Marriage preparation ongoing; Family grieves loss of Malayali seafarer's death in Russian attack

KASARAGOD: Akhil, the Malayali sailor who was killed in the Russian missile attack, returned to work only a month ago after spending time in Kerala. Akhil had his engagement ceremony three months ago and was preparing for the wedding. 10 people, including Akhil, were killed in the Russian missile attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine. Akhil, 26, is the son of Joel and Sally, a couple from Vellarikund, Kasaragod.

Akhil joined Merchant Navy at the age of 19. Joel runs an electrical shop, and Sally is an insurance agent. Akhil was set to marry a woman from Alappuzha a few months later, and the preparations were ongoing. Akhil, who had been working on this ship for the past six years, was planning a switch to another organisation, but alas.

The other Indians killed were Gurpreet Singh Bhatt, Jagan Singh and Abhishek Nishad. The other victims were Syrian nationals and a Ukrainian national. Eight people, including Indian national Sebastian Blason, were injured. There were 18 people on board. The ship's owners officially informed the families of the victims of the deaths yesterday afternoon. The ship 'Golden Leo', owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Limited, is controlled by a Turkish company.

Three Russian cruise missiles hit the ship ferrying corn that left the port of Odesa on Sunday. The fire on the ship was brought under control by the Ukrainian Navy yesterday morning. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident. The ministry assured all possible assistance to the families of the victims. The ministry also said that it will ensure treatment for the injured Sebastian Blason. The Chief Minister's Office tasked Norka to provide more information regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.