Centre Tells Supreme Court Search for Two Missing Indian Seafarers Suspended After Black Sea Drone Attack

The Union Government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that exhaustive search and rescue operations have failed to locate two Indian seafarers who went missing after cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was attacked by drones in the Black Sea near Ukraine, adding that search operations have now been suspended pending fresh information.

Taking note of the status report, the apex court directed the Centre to facilitate insurance claims for the families of the missing crew members.

Search Called Off After Extensive Rescue Efforts

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana was hearing a petition relating to Deepak Kumar Gupta, an ordinary seaman who went missing after the vessel came under attack on July 25.

According to a joint status report filed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), rescue operations conducted by the Ukrainian authorities, the Romanian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the Romanian Coast Guard and associated rescue agencies failed to trace Deepak Kumar Gupta and another missing Indian seafarer, Ramachandra.

The government informed the court that, as of August 5, search and rescue operations had been suspended pending any fresh leads, while the DGMA continued to pursue investigation reports and coordinate with relevant authorities.

Insurance Claims Should Be Facilitated: Supreme Court

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, submitted the action taken report, informing the court that despite sustained efforts, the missing seafarers could not be located.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the employment contracts of the crew members provided for insurance benefits and suggested that the government facilitate insurance claims so that the families could receive financial assistance.

The Bench accepted the suggestion and directed the Centre to ensure the process was facilitated.

Court Declines Discussion on Media Reports

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel sought to raise concerns over statements made in the media regarding the incident.

Justice Bagchi declined to entertain the issue, stating that the court was concerned with the litigation and the welfare of the families rather than media reports.

Chief Justice Surya Kant also referred to communications from the Indian Embassy in Romania, noting that helicopters, rescue vessels and Coast Guard assets had been deployed during the search before authorities concluded that the missing crew members could not be found despite extensive efforts.

Eyewitness Yet to Be Debriefed

The petitioner's counsel argued that the embassy's account reflected the position only up to July 26 and submitted that no fresh search operations had taken place thereafter.

He also informed the court that the vessel's first officer, who survived the attack and has since returned to India, spoke to the Indian Ambassador to Romania on August 5. According to the counsel, Romanian authorities indicated they would resume search operations if new information became available.

The counsel further submitted that the first officer, an eyewitness to the incident, had not yet been debriefed by Indian authorities and urged the Ministry of External Affairs or the Directorate General of Shipping to record his account, including details about the vessel's coordinates, sea conditions and the circumstances in which the missing crew members entered the water.

However, the Chief Justice asked the petitioner's counsel to first examine the status report filed by the Centre.