Hyderabad: At least 13 Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk Port, as drone and missile attacks continue near the strategic Black Sea harbour, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI).
The sailors’ union described the situation as “terrible and life-threatening,” saying the crew is living under constant fear as repeated attacks are taking place close to the vessel. The union has urged the Government of India, the shipowner, the vessel’s flag state and other authorities to intervene immediately to ensure the crew’s safety and arrange their evacuation.
FSUI seeks urgent evacuation of stranded Indian crew
In a post on X, the FSUI said MV AMIR1, carrying 15 crew members, including 13 Indians, remains trapped at Chornomorsk Port amid escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
The union also shared a video purportedly recorded from the vessel, showing thick smoke rising near the port, highlighting the deteriorating security situation around the ship.
So far, neither the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) nor the shipping company operating the vessel has issued an official statement on the incident.
The latest development comes days after a series of deadly attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea. On July 18, the MV OMORFI was struck while transiting the Black Sea, killing one Indian seafarer. The following day, the MV GOLDEN LEO was hit while leaving Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, resulting in the deaths of four Indian crew members.
In another recent incident, the MV AGN Ragnar was attacked near Odesa, leaving two Indian seafarers missing.
With at least five Indian seafarers killed in separate attacks over the past week, India has summoned both Russian and Ukrainian diplomats to lodge strong protests and called for enhanced protection of civilian merchant vessels operating in the conflict zone.
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