New Delhi: Thirteen Indian seafarers are reportedly among the crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel anchored at Chornomorsk Port in Ukraine, where continued drone and missile strikes have heightened fears for their safety. According to a media report citing the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), the crew has been trapped in the conflict zone as hostilities continue around the Black Sea.
The MV AMIR1, carrying a total crew of 15, has remained at the Ukrainian port while repeated aerial attacks have been reported in the surrounding area. The sailors’ union has described the situation as extremely dangerous, saying the crew is living under the constant threat of being caught in the crossfire.
In a public appeal, the FSUI urged the Government of India, the vessel’s owners, the ship’s flag state and other concerned authorities to intervene immediately to ensure the safety of the crew and facilitate their evacuation from the conflict-hit region.
The union also shared a video, reportedly filmed from the vessel, showing thick smoke rising near the port, underscoring the volatile security situation around the ship.
As of now, there has been no official statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the shipping company regarding the reported plight of the Indian sailors.
The development comes against the backdrop of escalating risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Merchant vessels operating near Ukraine have increasingly come under threat as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues.
Earlier this week, India lodged a strong protest with the Ukrainian Ambassador following the death of an Indian seafarer in an attack on another merchant vessel in the Black Sea. New Delhi condemned the strike and expressed serious concern over the growing dangers faced by civilian ships navigating the conflict zone.
With security conditions remaining uncertain, concerns are mounting over the safety of the stranded crew, while calls for their swift evacuation continue to grow.
