13 Indian sailors trapped on vessel in Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port amid drone attacks, union calls for urgent evacuation | Today’s news
The Federation of Seamen’s Unions of India (FSUI) has called on the authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian crew members on board a vessel stranded in a Ukrainian port amid ongoing drone and missile attacks.
In a post on social media platform X, the FSUI said that the MV AMIR1, currently docked at the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, has 15 crew members on board, including 13 Indian sailors, who are facing a “terrible and life-threatening situation”.
The crew lives under constant threat, FSUI says
The FSUI said repeated drone and missile attacks had been carried out in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, leaving crew members concerned about a possible direct attack.
“The crew lives in constant fear of a direct hit at any moment,” FSUI said.
The Union called on the authorities, shipowners and the vessel’s flag state to take immediate action to protect the crew and ensure their safe return.
Contact the Government of India
FSUI called on the Government of India and other concerned agencies to intervene and emphasized that Indian seafarers should not remain trapped in active conflict zones.
“Indian seafarers must not be left as targets in conflict zones. Act now,” the union said.
India expresses Ukraine’s concern over attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea following the death of Indian sailors
India has expressed serious concern to Ukraine over repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea after several Indian sailors were killed in recent attacks during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and conveyed to him New Delhi’s strong objections to attacks targeting civilian shipping.
The diplomatic move came after a series of incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian crews, including the deadly attack on the MV OMORFI in which an Indian sailor was killed.
MEA condemns attacks on commercial shipping
In an official statement, the MEA said that the Ukrainian envoy was summoned to the South Block due to the attack on the MV OMORFI which resulted in the death of an Indian citizen.
“The ministry expressed its grave concern over the incident and condemned in the strongest possible terms such attacks on commercial shipping,” the MEA said.
India highlighted the impact of such attacks on maritime security, freedom of navigation and international trade.
The ministry asked the Ukrainian ambassador to convey New Delhi’s concerns to the authorities in Kyiv, stressing that actions threatening civilian sailors are unacceptable.
Ukraine responds, blames Russian attacks
The Ukrainian embassy in Delhi expressed condolences over the death of the Indian sailors, but said the threat to civilian shipping in the Black Sea was the result of Russian military actions.
The embassy said that Ukraine has repeatedly warned international partners about the growing risks to maritime navigation and raised the issue through channels, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Ukraine said it had issued a warning about threats to civilian vessels, stressing that preventive action was necessary to protect sailors.
The embassy also said the “only sustainable way” to restore maritime security is increased international pressure on Russia to stop attacks on civilian shipping.
More Indian crew members affected by Black Sea incidents
The latest diplomatic exchange follows several attacks involving Indian nationals.
MV OMORFI: An Indian sailor, identified by the FSUI as Chief Petty Officer Sagar Gupta, was killed in the July 18 attack.
MV Golden Leo: Four Indian nationals were killed and one seriously injured in an attack on a merchant ship as it left the port of Odessa on 19 July.
MV AGN Ragnar: A vessel carrying four Indian nationals was hit in the port of Odessa on July 25. Two crew members were confirmed safe, while information on the other two was awaited.
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine said it is monitoring the MV AGN Ragnar incident and coordinating search and rescue operations with Ukrainian authorities.
MEA issues advisory for Indian seafarers
Amid the growing risks, the MEA issued an advisory urging Indian nationals seeking work on vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea region to carefully assess the security situation.
The ministry said the maritime environment remains “highly volatile” due to the ongoing conflict and warned that commercial vessels face significant threats from missile and drone attacks.
The advisory urged sailors to:
-Verify safety arrangements with employers and ship operators
-Review insurance coverage and emergency response plans
-Ensure contracts meet international maritime standards
-Confirm arrangements for medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation
– Stay informed about government recommendations
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