New Delhi: A fresh humanitarian concern has emerged from the Black Sea region, where 13 Indian seafarers are reportedly among the 15 crew members stranded aboard the cargo vessel M.V. AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port. The crew remains trapped as drone and missile strikes continue to target areas surrounding the port amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has issued an urgent appeal, describing the situation as extremely dangerous and calling for immediate intervention to protect the lives of the crew. According to the union, the vessel has been caught in an active conflict zone, with repeated aerial attacks taking place nearby, forcing the sailors to remain on constant alert.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the FSUI urged the Government of India, the ship’s owners, the vessel’s flag state and relevant international authorities to take swift action to ensure the crew’s safe evacuation and facilitate their return home. The union stressed that Indian seafarers should not be left vulnerable in areas affected by armed conflict.
Urgent Appeal | M.V. AMIR1
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.
Repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the… pic.twitter.com/tIIwuC9Mdk— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) July 28, 2026
The organisation also released a video reportedly filmed from aboard the ship. The footage appears to show thick smoke rising near the vessel, underscoring the volatile security situation around Chornomorsk port.
As of now, there has been no official response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the shipping company regarding the reported distress of the Indian crew members.
The incident comes just days after another serious maritime tragedy in the Black Sea. Earlier this week, India formally summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador, Oleksandr Polishchuk, to protest the death of an Indian seafarer during an attack on the merchant vessel MV Omorfi. New Delhi strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and conveyed its deep concern over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard merchant vessels operating in conflict-affected waters.
With hostilities continuing in the Black Sea, concerns are growing over the safety of civilian merchant ships and their multinational crews navigating one of the world’s most volatile maritime regions.
