The Indian Embassy has intensified efforts to repatriate the body of Akhil Joel, 26, a native of A.K.G. Nagar, Kasaragod, who was among the four Indians killed after a cargo ship was hit in an alleged Russian missile attack off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine.

According to officials at NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NoRKA) under the Kerala government, the Embassy has asked the family to conduct a DNA test to identify the body. It is expected that the body will be repatriated within two weeks once the testing procedures are completed.

The missile attack took place near the port of Odessa on the ship MV Golden Leo, which was flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau. Mr. Joel was serving as the chief officer of the ship. NoRKA-Roots Chief Executive Officer Asif K. Yusuf is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Mission in Ukraine to expedite the procedures for repatriating the body, said the authorities.

Published - July 22, 2026 08:39 pm IST