New Delhi/Kyiv, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Thirteen Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port as drone and missile attacks continue near the strategic Black Sea harbour, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said on Tuesday.
The union described the situation as extremely dangerous, stating that the crew remains trapped amid ongoing hostilities and faces the constant threat of attacks in the vicinity of the vessel.
In a statement shared on social media, the FSUI appealed to the Government of India, the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and other concerned authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the crew’s safety, facilitate their evacuation and arrange their safe repatriation.
According to the union, repeated drone and missile strikes have been reported close to the vessel, leaving the crew living under the fear of a direct hit. It also shared a video purportedly recorded from onboard the ship, showing smoke rising from nearby areas, highlighting the volatile security situation around the port.
As of Tuesday, neither the Ministry of External Affairs nor the shipping company operating the vessel had issued an official statement on the matter.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of a series of attacks involving merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea. On July 18, the MV OMORFI was struck while transiting Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer.
The following day, another merchant vessel, MV GOLDEN LEO, was hit while departing Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, killing four Indian crew members. India subsequently lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Russia over the incident.
In a separate attack later, the Palau-flagged cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck near Odesa, with two Indian seafarers still reported missing.
Following the recent incidents, India has conveyed its concerns to both Russia and Ukraine, urging all parties to ensure the safety of civilian merchant shipping and seafarers operating in the conflict-affected Black Sea region.
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