13 Indian Sailors Stuck at Ukraine Port Amid Escalating Drone and Missile Attacks

13 Indian Seafarers Trapped on Cargo Ship at Ukraine Port Amid Rising Attack Threat

Thirteen Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port as escalating drone and missile attacks in the area have put their lives at risk, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said.

The union issued an urgent appeal on X, stating that MV AMIR1 remains docked at the port amid continued hostilities in the region. “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 Fear Direct Hit Amid Repeated Attacks

According to the union, repeated drone and missile strikes near the vessel have left the crew living in constant fear of being caught in the attacks. “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,” it said.

The FSUI has appealed to the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state authorities, concerned agencies and the Government of India to urgently intervene and ensure the safe evacuation and repatriation of the crew. “Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now,” the union said.

Safety Concerns Rise After Recent Ship Attack

The appeal comes shortly after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised concerns with Ukraine over the safety of Indian sailors operating in the Black Sea. The MEA had summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, following an attack on merchant vessel MV OMORFI near the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The vessel had four Indian crew members onboard.

India Calls for Protection of Commercial Vessels

The MEA condemned the attack, which resulted in the death of an Indian national, and said strikes on commercial shipping threaten maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international trade. India urged authorities to ensure that civilian vessels carrying seafarers are not targeted during the ongoing conflict.

With MV AMIR1 still stranded at Chornomorsk, concerns remain over the safety of the Indian crew as the conflict continues to impact maritime operations in the Black Sea region.