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 Black Sea harbour, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI).
The union said the crew members aboard MV AMIR1 are facing an extremely dangerous situation, with ongoing hostilities placing them at constant risk, reports NDTV.
In a post on X, FSUI said, “Urgent Appeal | 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.”
It added, “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.”
The union urged the Indian government, the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and other relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the crew’s safety and arrange their swift repatriation.
It further said, “Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now.”
FSUI also shared a video, reportedly filmed from the vessel, showing large plumes of smoke rising near the ship, underscoring the volatile security situation around the port.
As of now, neither India’s Ministry of External Affairs nor the shipping company has responded to the reports of the 13 Indian sailors being stranded.
The latest appeal comes amid a string of attacks on merchant vessels operating off Ukraine’s southern coast.
On Monday, India summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk and lodged a strong protest over the death of an Indian seafarer in an attack on a merchant vessel in the Black Sea last week.
India’s Foreign Ministry said it conveyed New Delhi’s serious concern over the incident to the ambassador and condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the strongest terms.
The merchant vessel MV Omorfi reportedly came under Ukrainian drone strikes during renewed hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
