13 Indian seafarers trapped at Ukraine port amid drone, missile attacks: Report

Kyiv: At least 13 Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port as drone and missile attacks continue near the Black Sea, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI).

The sailors' union has described the crew's situation as "terrible and life-threatening", warning that they are living in constant fear as hostilities continue around the port.

In a post on X, the FSUI said the cargo vessel M.V. AMIR1, currently docked at Chornomorsk, remains trapped amid repeated aerial attacks.

"Urgent Appeal | M.V. 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 added that "repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the vessel", leaving the crew under the constant threat of being struck.

The union urged the Indian government, the shipowners, the vessel's flag state and other relevant authorities to intervene immediately to ensure the crew's safety and facilitate their swift evacuation and repatriation.

"Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now," the union said.

The FSUI also shared a video purportedly filmed from the vessel, showing thick plumes of smoke rising near the port, underscoring the volatile security situation.

As of now, neither India's Ministry of External Affairs nor the shipping company has issued a statement on the reported distress of the Indian crew.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the safety of merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea. Earlier this week, India summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk and lodged a strong protest over the death of an Indian seafarer in an attack on a merchant vessel in the Black Sea last week.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed New Delhi's serious concern over the incident and condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the strongest terms.

The vessel, MV Omorfi, was reportedly hit during a Ukrainian drone strike amid renewed fighting between Russia and Ukraine.