A 26-year-old merchant navy seafarer from Kerala was reportedly killed in a Russian attack on a cargo ship off Ukraine’s Odesa coast, according to information received by his family on Monday.
The deceased was identified as Akhil Joyan, 26, of AKG Nagar, Vellarikundu, in Kasaragod district. He was the only son of Joyan and Sally of Valiplackal House.
According to preliminary information received by the family, Akhil died in an explosion aboard the cargo vessel on which he was serving. The shipping company informed the family of his death through an email on Monday afternoon. Further details of the incident were not immediately available.
Initial reports indicated that about 10 crew members were killed in the attack, while eight others were rescued by Ukrainian authorities.
The vessel, identified as the Golden Leo, was reportedly carrying food grains when it came under attack. Indian and Syrian nationals were among those on board.
Akhil had joined the merchant navy at the age of 19. Besides his maritime career, he had earned recognition as a world record holder in rope pull, a discipline related to tug of war. He had excelled in tug of war competitions since his school days.
Akhil had recently returned to Kerala on leave, during which his marriage was fixed. He rejoined duty a month ago. The tragedy struck while his family was preparing for the wedding.
News of his death spread quickly through Vellarikundu, with relatives, friends and local residents gathering at his house to console the bereaved family.
Following reports that a Keralite had been killed in the attack, the Chief Minister’s Office initiated efforts to ascertain the facts. It directed NORKA Roots to coordinate with the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to obtain official details of the incident.
Further steps, including arrangements to repatriate Akhil’s mortal remains, are expected to be taken after official confirmation and additional information are received.
Meanwhile, the Kasaragod district administration said it had not yet received any official information regarding the incident.
Published – July 20, 2026 10:24 pm IST
