Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 29: The Indian Embassy in Ukraine has said it is closely monitoring the situation of Indian seafarers stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Chornomorsk port and has accorded the matter the “highest priority”.
The embassy said Indian officials are in constant contact with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of all Indian nationals onboard the vessel.
The development comes after the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) raised concerns over the safety of crew members aboard the cargo ship MV AMIR1, which is stranded at the strategic Black Sea port amid ongoing drone and missile attacks in the region.
According to FSUI, at least 13 Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members currently trapped onboard the vessel. The union described the situation as “terrible and life-threatening”, stating that the crew members are living under constant fear of possible attacks.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy said, “A situation regarding MV AMIR1 with Indian seafarers onboard has been brought to our attention. We attach the highest priority to this and are in constant touch with all concerned to ensure safety and security of all Indians onboard.”
FSUI has urged the Indian government, shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and other concerned authorities to take immediate steps for the protection, evacuation and repatriation of the stranded crew members.
The sailors’ union also shared a video reportedly recorded from the vessel, showing smoke rising from areas near the ship, highlighting the worsening security situation around the Black Sea port.
The incident comes amid increasing attacks on commercial vessels operating near Ukraine’s southern coastline, with the Black Sea becoming a high-risk zone for civilian shipping due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Following the recent attacks, India has reportedly summoned diplomats from both Russia and Ukraine to convey concerns over repeated strikes affecting civilian merchant vessels and called for ensuring the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers in international waters.