13 Indian sailors stranded aboard ship in Ukraine amid Black Sea attacks: Report

Thirteen Indian seafarers are trapped aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) said, warning that the crew is caught in a "terrible and life-threatening situation" as Russia's war on Ukraine continues to fuel drone and missile attacks near the Black Sea port.

The union has urged the Centre, shipowners, the vessel's flag state and other authorities to immediately intervene and evacuate the crew. According to the FSUI, the cargo vessel, MV AMIR1, has 15 crew members on board, including 13 Indians. It said every passing day was increasing the risk to their lives as the ship remains stranded in the conflict zone.

'LIVING UNDER CONSTANT FEAR'

"MV AMIR1, currently at Ukrainian port Chornomorsk with 15 crew on board, including 13 Indian seafarers, is trapped in a terrible and life-threatening situation," the union said. It alleged that drone and missile strikes were taking place close to the vessel, leaving those on board uncertain about their safety.

"Repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. The crew is living under constant fear of a direct hit at any moment," it said.

The union also shared a video purportedly recorded from the ship. The footage appeared to show thick smoke rising near the port. Appealing for immediate action, the union said every passing day was increasing the danger for the crew.

"We urgently appeal to all concerned authorities, shipowners, flag state, and the Government of India to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation," it said.

Neither the Ministry of External Affairs nor the shipping company had responded to the comments at the time of writing.

SERIES OF ATTACKS ON MERCHANT SHIPS

This comes against the backdrop of a series of attacks on merchant vessels operating off Ukraine's southern coast. Only a day earlier, India summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to New Delhi after merchant vessel MV OMORFI came under attack near Odesa. Four Indian crew members were on board the ship, and one Indian sailor was killed in the strike.

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack in the "strongest terms", calling attacks on commercial shipping a serious threat to maritime safety, freedom of navigation and global trade. It also urged Ukraine to ensure that civilian merchant vessels are not targeted during military operations. It followed another attack last week, when MV AGN RAGNAR was struck at Odesa with four Indians on board. While two crew members were rescued, two others remain missing and search efforts are still underway.

Earlier this month, another cargo vessel, MV Golden Leo, was hit near Odesa, killing 10 crew members, including four Indian nationals. The attack prompted New Delhi to summon Russia's charge d'affaires and raise concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working in the conflict zone.

BLACK SEA BECOMES INCREASINGLY RISKY

The latest appeal has once again brought attention to the growing dangers faced by merchant sailors in the Black Sea, where commercial vessels have repeatedly found themselves caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ports such as Odesa and Chornomorsk remain major hubs for cargo movement, but they have also become frequent targets of missile and drone attacks, forcing many civilian crews to spend days or even weeks aboard ships under constant threat.

Recognising the risks, the Ministry of External Affairs recently advised Indian nationals to carefully assess the security situation before accepting assignments on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea. It warned that merchant ships in the region remain vulnerable to attacks despite being civilian vessels.

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