13 Indian Seafarers Stranded at Ukraine Port
Thirteen Indian seafarers are stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port as missile and drone attacks continue near the Black Sea facility. Maritime authorities have said all crew members are currently safe, although their union has called for urgent repatriation.
Indian Seafarers Stranded at Chornomorsk Port
The Tanzanian-flagged general cargo vessel MV Amir 1 has 15 crew members aboard, including 13 Indian nationals. The ship remains docked at Chornomorsk, a major commercial port near Odesa.
The seafarers’ union described the situation as dangerous, saying repeated aerial attacks in the surrounding area had left the crew fearing a direct strike. Video footage reportedly showed smoke rising close to the vessel.
The crew members have requested permission to sign off and leave the conflict-affected region.
Missile Strike Reported Near MV Amir 1
Crew members informed maritime authorities that a ballistic missile had struck a warehouse within the port area. Their immediate priority was to confirm the structural integrity of the ship and ensure that its hull had not been damaged.
A detailed inspection could not be conducted immediately because of the continuing security threat. Authorities said all crew members remained safe following the nearby attack.
Union Seeks Immediate Crew Repatriation
The seafarers’ union urged the shipowner, the vessel’s flag state and the Indian government to coordinate the evacuation and repatriation of the stranded crew.
Concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea have increased following separate attacks on commercial vessels operating near Russia and Ukraine.
India has advised its citizens to carefully evaluate security risks before accepting employment aboard ships travelling through conflict-affected maritime regions.
