Kasaragod (Kerala) | A 26-year-old man from Kerala, who was working in the merchant navy, died after his ship came under attack off Ukraine, people close to his family claimed on Monday.

When contacted, the Chief Minister's Office said official confirmation was awaited.

The deceased was identified as Akhil Joyan, the only son of Joyan and Sally, residents of Vellarikkundu in Kasaragod district.

Shobi Joseph, ward member of Vellarikkundu in Balal grama panchayat, told PTI that the family received an email about Akhil's death from the shipping company on Monday evening.

“We are trying to gather more details and complete the necessary formalities. He joined the merchant navy at the age of 19,” Joseph said.

According to him, Akhil had returned to his native place around three months ago for his engagement ceremony.

“His marriage was scheduled to take place two months from now. The bride is from Alappuzha district. He returned to work a month back,” he said.

Joseph said Akhil was well known in the locality and a popular tug-of-war player.

“He was known as a well-behaved and disciplined youngster,” he said.

Joseph said Akhil's father worked at an electrical shop while his mother was an insurance agent.

“They are an ordinary family, and their future depended largely on Akhil. They had recently constructed a house,” Joseph said.

He added that the family was in touch with the local MP and MLA to obtain assistance for the repatriation of the body and other formalities.

As per foreign media reports, Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority said a cargo vessel flying the flag of the West African country of Guinea-Bissau was hit by Russian forces on Sunday, shortly after it left the port of Odesa, killing 10 of its crew, including five sailors from Syria.

Eight people were rescued from the ship, which was carrying Ukrainian corn, it added.