India warns seafarers: Black Sea 'highly volatile' after missile strike leaves two Indian crew missing

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution before accepting employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea region. The ministry warned that the security situation in the conflict-hit maritime corridor remains "highly volatile", with commercial vessels facing persistent risks from missile and drone attacks.

This comes after a merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals was struck at Ukraine's Port of Odesa. According to the Indian Embassy in Kyiv, two crew members are confirmed safe, while the status of the other two is still being ascertained.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, New Delhi said that the deteriorating security environment has already claimed the lives of five Indian nationals since April 2026. "The security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The advisory follows a string of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine war. On July 18, an Indian seafarer was killed after the merchant vessel MV Omorfi was attacked while transiting the Black Sea. This marked the second attack on a ship carrying Indian crew within a week, bringing the total number of Indian seafarers killed in the conflict to five. New Delhi had earlier condemned attacks on merchant shipping and called for safe maritime navigation.

Advising seafarers to carefully assess the risks before accepting assignments in the region, the ministry urged them to verify vessel routes, security arrangements, insurance cover, emergency procedures, and employment terms. It also said Indian nationals should "ensure that the terms of employment comply with applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in the event of an emergency."

The ministry stressed the importance of maintaining communication with family members during voyages. "Keep family members informed of your itinerary and maintain regular contact," it said. It also directed Indian nationals to closely follow safety guidance issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, other Government of India authorities, vessel operators, and competent maritime authorities.

The advisory added that Indian nationals requiring assistance should remain in touch with India's Embassy and Consulates in the region through the emergency contact numbers provided in the advisory.