NEW DELHI: Thirteen Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, where continued drone and missile attacks have placed them in what the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has described as a life-threatening situation.
In an urgent appeal shared on X, the union said the vessel remains docked at Chornomorsk as hostilities continue in the surrounding area.
“MV 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 FSUI said.
The union alleged that drone and missile strikes were occurring in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, leaving the crew under constant threat.
“Repeated drone and missile attacks are taking place near the vessel. The crew is living under constant fear of a direct hit at any moment,” it said.
The FSUI called on the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state, relevant authorities, and the Government of India to intervene urgently to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their evacuation.
“We urgently appeal to all concerned authorities, shipowners, the flag state, and the Government of India to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation,” the union said.
Emphasising the urgency of the situation, it added, “Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now.”
The appeal comes a day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised concerns with Ukraine over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Black Sea.
On Monday, the MEA summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, following an attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The vessel had four Indian crew members on board.
The ministry said the strike claimed the life of an Indian national and strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping, describing them as a threat to maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and international commerce. It also urged the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that commercial vessels carrying civilian seafarers are not targeted.
