13 Indian Seafarers Stranded at Ukraine Port as Russian Strikes Intensify

13 Indian Seafarers Stranded on Cargo Ship at Ukraine Port Amid Intensifying Drone Attacks

Thirteen Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, with ongoing drone and missile strikes in the region creating a serious safety threat, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said.

In an urgent appeal shared on X, the union said the vessel MV AMIR1 remains stuck at the Ukrainian port as fighting continues in the surrounding areas.

“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.

Crew Living Under Constant Threat, Says Union

The FSUI claimed that repeated drone and missile attacks near the vessel have left the crew members fearing for their lives.

“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 said.

The organisation has urged the shipowners, flag state authorities, concerned agencies and the Government of India to take immediate steps to protect the crew and arrange their safe evacuation.

“Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now,” the union said.

Appeal Comes After MEA Raises Safety Concerns

The FSUI’s appeal comes days after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised concerns with Ukraine over the safety of Indian seafarers working in the Black Sea region.

The MEA had summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, after an attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near Odesa. The ship was carrying four Indian crew members.

India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping

The MEA condemned the strike, which resulted in the death of an Indian national, and said attacks on commercial vessels pose a threat to maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international trade.

India urged Ukrainian authorities to ensure that civilian commercial vessels and their crews are protected from attacks.

The latest warning from the FSUI has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian sailors working on merchant vessels in the conflict-hit Black Sea region, with the crew of MV AMIR1 continuing to remain at risk amid ongoing hostilities.