Akhil Joyan, a 26-year-old seafarer from Kerala who was engaged three months ago
July 21, 2026: A 26-year-old seafarer from Kerala, Akhil Joyan, was among four crew members killed in a Russian missile strike near Ukraine’s Odesa port while serving aboard the Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel MV Golden Leo. Joyan, who got engaged just three months ago, was scheduled to get married in two months. The attack marked the first reported instance of Indian seafarers being killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, while another Indian crew member reportedly sustained serious injuries.
Joyan, the only son of his parents from Vellarikkundu in Kasaragod district, had joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 19. According to local officials, his father runs an electrical shop and his mother works as an insurance agent. The family had recently built a new house and depended largely on Joyan’s income. His parents have approached local public representatives seeking assistance in bringing his body back to India.
Following the incident, the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office directed the NORKA Department to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Russian Consulate for further assistance. The MEA condemned the attack, stating that India deplores attacks on commercial shipping and innocent civilian crew members. Officials said the Indian mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible support to those affected.