Thirteen Indian seafarers remain stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Chornomorsk port in Ukraine, as reported by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI). The union stated that the crew is in a perilous and life-threatening predicament due to ongoing military operations in the region, where both drone and missile attacks have been increasingly frequent.

The FSUI has called upon various authorities, including the Indian government, the vessel’s owners, and the flag state, to take immediate steps to evacuate the crew. The cargo vessel reportedly has a total of 15 crew members, of which 13 are Indian nationals, all of whom are facing heightened risks due to their current location in the conflict zone.

The dire circumstances of the sailors have been underscored by the union, which highlighted the dangers posed by both aerial and ground strikes close to the vessel. As tensions escalate in the Black Sea, the humanitarian situation of those onboard has grown increasingly concerning.

Living Under Constant Threat

The FSUI reported that crew members aboard MV AMIR1 are enduring ongoing fears for their safety, as drone and missile attacks are occurring in close proximity. The union shared distressing footage allegedly taken from the ship, showing smoke rising near the port, further illustrating the gravity of their situation.

According to the union, the continuous threat of a direct hit has created an atmosphere of constant anxiety for the crew. In their appeal for assistance, the FSUI implored all relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure the sailors’ safety and repatriation, as each passing day increases the risk to their lives.

At the time of reporting, there had been no responses from the Ministry of External Affairs or the shipping company regarding the sailors’ plight. The lack of communication has added to the growing concern among families and communities regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict zones.

Escalating Attacks on Merchant Vessels

This situation unfolds in light of a series of recent attacks targeted at merchant ships operating along Ukraine’s southern coastline. Just a day prior to the FSUI’s statements, an attack reportedly occurred on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near Odesa, which involved Indian crew members. Tragically, one Indian sailor lost their life during that strike.

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, emphasising that assaults on commercial shipping pose significant threats to maritime safety, navigation freedom, and global trade. The Ministry further urged Ukraine to ensure that civilian vessels are not caught in military crossfire, aiming to protect all merchant operations in the area.

This incident follows similar attacks on other vessels, such as MV AGN RAGNAR, where two Indian crew members remain unaccounted for, as well as the tragic assault on MV Golden Leo earlier this month, which resulted in the deaths of ten crew members, including four Indians. These events have heightened concerns regarding the security of Indian nationals operating in the Black Sea region.

Black Sea Dangers Highlighted

The recent incidents have drawn attention to the increasing dangers that commercial sailors face in the Black Sea amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ports like Odesa and Chornomorsk, while essential for cargo transit, have become regular targets for missile and drone strikes, forcing crews to endure extended periods under potential threat.

In light of these alarming developments, the Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian nationals to thoroughly evaluate security conditions before accepting employment on ships operating in or passing through the Black Sea. The warning comes as many civilian vessels within the region remain susceptible to violence, impacting the safety of those on board.

The situation for Indian seafarers, therefore, remains critical as authorities call for urgent interventions to safeguard lives and ensure the safe return of stranded sailors in conflict zones.

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