New Delhi: The Indian government has said the safety and security of 13 Indian seafarers stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port is its “highest priority,” as the ship remains caught in an increasingly dangerous conflict zone along the Black Sea coast.
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine confirmed that it is maintaining constant contact with all relevant authorities to monitor the situation and ensure the well being of the Indian crew members. The embassy said it is treating the matter with utmost urgency amid growing concerns over the vessel’s safety.
MV AMIR1 has been stranded at Chornomorsk port with 15 crew members on board, including 13 Indians. The vessel is located in an area that has witnessed repeated drone and missile attacks, raising fears over the safety of those on board.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India described the conditions as extremely dangerous, stating that the crew is living under constant fear as explosions and attacks continue in the vicinity of the ship. The union appealed to the Indian government, the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state, and other concerned authorities to act swiftly to secure the crew’s evacuation and safe return home.
A video reportedly recorded from the vessel showed thick smoke rising from nearby areas, highlighting the worsening security situation around the strategic Black Sea port.
The latest crisis follows a series of deadly attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea earlier this month. On July 18, MV OMORFI was struck while sailing through Russian territorial waters, resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer. A day later, MV GOLDEN LEO was hit while leaving Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, killing four Indian crew members. In a separate incident, the cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was attacked near Odesa, leaving two Indian seafarers missing.
Following those incidents, India lodged strong protests with both Russia and Ukraine, urging both sides to ensure the safety of civilian merchant vessels and commercial seafarers operating in the Black Sea region.
