13 Indian Seafarers Stranded at Ukrainian Port Amid Black Sea Attacks
New Delhi–At least 13 Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port as drone and missile attacks continue near the strategic Black Sea harbor, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.
The union said the crew of the MV AMIR1 is facing a life-threatening situation and remains at risk of a direct strike as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues in the area.
“M.V. AMIR1, currently at Ukrainian port Chornomorsk with 15 crew on board, including 13 Indian seafarers, is trapped in a terrible and life-threatening situation,” the union said in a post on X.
“Repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. The crew is living under constant fear of a direct hit at any moment,” it added.
The union appealed to the Indian government, the vessel’s owners, its flag state and other relevant authorities to take immediate steps to protect the crew and arrange their evacuation and repatriation.
It also shared a video purportedly recorded aboard the vessel showing thick smoke rising near the ship.
The Ministry of External Affairs and the company operating the vessel had not issued statements on the situation.
The appeal follows several recent attacks involving merchant vessels operating near Ukraine’s southern coast, where the Black Sea has become increasingly dangerous for civilian shipping.
On July 18, the MV OMORFI was struck while traveling through the Black Sea in Russian territorial waters. The vessel was carrying 10 crew members, including three Indian nationals. One Indian seafarer was killed.
A day later, the MV GOLDEN LEO was struck as it departed the Ukrainian port of Odesa, killing four Indian seafarers. India later summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladonov to protest the attack.
At least five Indian seafarers were killed in the two attacks.
In a separate incident, the Palau-flagged cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck near Odesa. Two Indian seafarers aboard the ship remain missing.
India has summoned Russian and Ukrainian diplomats over the attacks and called for the protection of civilian merchant vessels and seafarers operating in the Black Sea. (Source: IANS)
