New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Thirteen Indian nationals are reportedly among the crew of a merchant vessel stranded at Chornomorsk Port in Ukraine, where ongoing drone and missile attacks have raised serious concerns over the safety of those on board. According to a media report quoting the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), the crew remains trapped as military activity continues around the Black Sea region.
The vessel, MV AMIR1, has a crew of 15, including 13 Indians. The sailors’ union has described the situation as critical, stating that the crew is confined to the ship while repeated attacks continue near the port, leaving them vulnerable to the escalating conflict.
In an appeal to the Indian government and other concerned authorities, the FSUI urged immediate diplomatic intervention to ensure the crew’s safety and arrange their evacuation. The union also called upon the vessel’s owners and the ship’s flag state to take urgent steps for the repatriation of the stranded seafarers.
To highlight the gravity of the situation, the union shared a video purportedly recorded from the ship, showing smoke rising near the port following reported strikes. The footage, according to the union, reflects the dangerous conditions surrounding the vessel.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Ministry of External Affairs or the shipping company regarding the reported situation of the Indian crew.
The latest development comes amid increasing security risks for commercial ships operating in the Black Sea. Merchant vessels have repeatedly come under threat as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify.
Only days earlier, India lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Ukraine after an Indian seafarer lost his life in an attack on another merchant vessel operating in the Black Sea. The government had condemned the incident and expressed concern over the growing dangers faced by civilian maritime traffic in the conflict zone.
With tensions showing no signs of easing, concerns remain high over the welfare of the stranded Indian sailors, as calls for their safe evacuation continue to gain momentum.
