NEW DELHI / KYIV — At least 13 Indian seafarers are trapped in a high-risk situation aboard a cargo vessel anchored at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, as ongoing drone and missile strikes destabilize the Black Sea shipping corridors.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) raised the alarm, warning that the crew members are living in “constant fear of a direct hit at any moment” while heavy military action persists nearby.
Critical Situation Aboard M.V. AMIR1
The vessel, identified as M.V. AMIR1, carries a total crew of 15, with 13 being Indian nationals. According to the maritime union, repeated aerial attacks involving drones and missiles have targeted areas in the immediate vicinity of the port facility.
In a public statement and appeal released on social media platform X, the FSUI shared purposed video footage recorded from the vessel showing massive plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky nearby.
”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. Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now,” the FSUI urged in its appeal to the Indian Government, the shipping company, and international maritime authorities.
Mounting Concerns in Black Sea Shipping
The distress call comes amid heightened danger for commercial maritime traffic operating near Ukraine’s southern coast.
Recent Hostilities: Commercial vessels operating in the region face increased threats from drone activity and missile crossfire.
Diplomatic Protest: Just days prior, New Delhi summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador to lodge a formal protest following an attack on the merchant ship MV Omorfi, which resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer.
Government Intervention Sought: Maritime bodies have demanded immediate coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ship operators, and flag state officials to establish a safe passage corridor and secure the prompt repatriation of the crew.
As of now, official statements from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding specific extraction measures for M.V. AMIR1 are awaited.
