13 Indian seafarers trapped in Ukrainian port amid drone attacks, embassy monitors
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine has confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation involving the merchant vessel MV AMIR1, which is carrying 13 Indian crew members, as repeated drone and missile attacks occur near Ukraine's Black Sea coast.
In a post on social media platform X, the embassy stated that it is in constant contact with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the Indian seafarers. 'We attach the highest priority to this and are in constant touch with all concerned to ensure safety and security of all Indians onboard,' the embassy said.
The situation came to light after the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) issued an urgent appeal, reporting that the vessel is docked at Chornomorsk port, southwest of Odesa, with 15 crew members, including 13 Indians. The union described the conditions as 'a terrible and life-threatening situation' due to ongoing attacks in the vicinity.
This incident follows an attack on July 25 on another merchant vessel, MV AGN Ragnar, at Odesa port. That ship had four Indian crew members, two of whom remain missing. India is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities in the search operation.
On Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains in touch with the families of the missing seafarers and is working with Ukrainian authorities to locate them. He reiterated India's position that commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted under any circumstances, and called for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
