Thirteen Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel anchored at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port as intensified drone and missile attacks continue to threaten the Black Sea region, prompting urgent appeals for their evacuation.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation, describing the crew as being caught in an active conflict zone where the risk to their lives continues to rise.
According to the union, the vessel, MV AMIR1, remains unable to leave the Ukrainian port while hostilities continue nearby. The crew has reportedly been living under constant fear of missile and drone strikes as military activity around the Black Sea escalates.
Union Seeks Immediate Rescue
The FSUI has appealed to the Central government, the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and other concerned authorities to launch immediate efforts to evacuate the stranded sailors before the security situation worsens further.
The union also released a video purportedly recorded from the ship, showing thick smoke rising near the port area, claiming it reflects the dangerous conditions surrounding the vessel.
Crew Reportedly Safe
While expressing concern over the situation, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) stated that all crew members aboard the Tanzanian-flagged cargo vessel are currently safe despite recent missile attacks in the surrounding region.
Officials, however, acknowledged that the ship remains stranded inside the conflict zone, with the safety of the crew continuing to be closely monitored.
Black Sea Conflict Raises Maritime Risks
The latest incident highlights the growing risks faced by commercial vessels operating near the Black Sea as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Repeated aerial attacks around Ukrainian ports have significantly disrupted maritime operations and increased safety concerns for international shipping crews.
With tensions showing no signs of easing, the maritime union has urged authorities to prioritise the evacuation of the Indian sailors and ensure their safe return at the earliest.
