Indian Seafarers in Peril: Urgent Call for Action Amid Black Sea Attacks
Indian Crew Stranded in Dangerous Waters
New Delhi/Kyiv: A group of 15 crew members, including 13 Indian seafarers, are currently stranded on a cargo ship docked at Chornomorsk port in Ukraine, amidst ongoing drone and missile strikes in the area, as reported by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI).
The sailors' union has expressed grave concerns, labeling the situation as 'terrible and life-threatening,' highlighting that the crew is living in constant fear of a potential direct hit as hostilities between Russia and Ukraine escalate near the port.
In a recent post on X, the FSUI called for immediate action from the Indian government and other relevant parties to ensure the crew's safety.
"M.V. AMIR1, currently docked at Chornomorsk with 15 crew members, including 13 Indians, is trapped in a dire situation," the union stated on X.
They further emphasized, "Repeated drone and missile attacks are occurring in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, leaving the crew in constant fear of a direct hit at any moment."
The FSUI has urged the Indian government, shipowners, and the vessel's flag state to take swift action to secure the crew's safety and facilitate their evacuation and repatriation.
Additionally, the union shared a video reportedly filmed from the ship, showing thick smoke rising from nearby areas, highlighting the deteriorating security conditions at the Black Sea port.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Ministry of External Affairs or the shipping company managing the vessel regarding this alarming situation.
This distress call comes amid a series of attacks on merchant vessels operating along Ukraine's southern coast, with the Black Sea becoming increasingly perilous for civilian shipping.
On July 18, the MV OMORFI was struck while navigating through Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer among its 10 crew members. The Indian Embassy in Russia has been in contact with relevant authorities regarding this incident.
The following day, on July 19, the MV GOLDEN LEO was attacked as it was leaving Ukraine's Port of Odesa, leading to the deaths of four Indian seafarers. In response, India summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires to express strong discontent over the attack on the merchant vessel.
These incidents have resulted in the deaths of at least five Indian seafarers in separate attacks in the Black Sea last week.
In another troubling event, the Palau-flagged cargo ship MV AGN Ragnar was struck near the Port of Odesa late Saturday, leaving two Indian seafarers unaccounted for.
In light of these recent attacks, India has summoned both Russian and Ukrainian diplomats to formally protest against the repeated strikes on civilian merchant vessels.
New Delhi has also called for measures to ensure the safety and security of commercial shipping and civilian seafarers operating in international waters amid the ongoing conflict.