New Delhi, July 29: According to the Forward Seamen Union of India (FSUI), at least 13 Indian sailors are among the 15 crew members stranded on a cargo ship at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port. This situation arises as drone and missile attacks continue around the strategically significant Black Sea port.
The organization warns that the crew is caught in a “terrible and life-threatening situation.” They live in constant fear due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, worried that any moment could bring an attack directly targeting their ship.
FSUI has called for immediate intervention from the Indian government and other relevant parties to ensure the safety of the trapped crew. In a post on the social media platform X, they stated, “The M.V. Amir-1, currently at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port with 15 crew members, including 13 Indian sailors, is in a terrifying and life-threatening situation.”
The organization further emphasized, “There are repeated attempts of drone and missile attacks right around the ship. The crew lives in fear that an attack could occur at any moment.”
FSUI has demanded immediate action from the Indian government, ship owners, the country of the ship’s registered flag, and other concerned authorities. They are urging for the crew’s safety to be ensured and for arrangements to be made for their swift evacuation and return to India.
A video has also been shared by FSUI, purportedly recorded from inside the ship, showing thick plumes of smoke rising from areas surrounding the vessel. This video reflects the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea port area.
So far, there has been no official statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the company operating the ship regarding this incident.
This crisis comes at a time when several attacks have occurred on commercial vessels operating near Ukraine’s southern coast in recent days. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is rapidly making the Black Sea region a dangerous area for civilian ships and maritime personnel.
On July 18, the MV Omorphi was attacked within Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea. This ship had 10 crew members, including three Indian nationals, and one Indian sailor was killed in the attack. Following the incident, the Indian embassy in Russia has been in contact with relevant authorities.
New Delhi has also demanded measures to ensure the safety of commercial vessels and civilian sailors operating in international waters. India has stated that the safety of maritime transport and sailors should be prioritized amid the ongoing conflict.
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S.A.K.
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