'Exercise Utmost Caution': India Warns Seafarers Against Black Sea Jobs After 5 Deaths

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday advised Indian nationals planning to work on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea to carefully assess the security situation before accepting assignments, citing the growing threat to merchant ships in the conflict-hit region.

The advisory comes after five Indian seafarers lost their lives in separate attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, where missile and drone strikes have intensified in recent months.

‘Highly Volatile’ Security Situation in Black Sea

In its advisory, the MEA said the security environment in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains “highly volatile” because of the ongoing conflict.

It warned that commercial vessels operating

in or passing through the region continue to face significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. According to the ministry, there has been an increase in such incidents since April, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals.

The MEA urged Indian citizens intending to work on merchant vessels in the conflict-affected region to carefully evaluate the prevailing security risks before taking up employment.

Insurance, Emergency Cover Among Key Precautions

For those who decide to work in the region, the ministry advised exercising “utmost caution” and obtaining complete information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel’s route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures.

The advisory also asked seafarers to ensure their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in the event of an emergency.

In addition, crew members have been advised to keep their families informed about their travel itinerary, maintain regular contact, and follow all advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), other government authorities, vessel operators and maritime authorities.

DGMA Had Earlier Flagged Rising Threats

The MEA also referred Indian nationals to a security advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration on July 23, which urged seafarers to exercise the “highest degree of caution” while operating in the Black Sea.

The DGMA had highlighted that 10 attacks on foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew members had been reported since April, underscoring the increasing risks in the region.

Five Indians Killed in Recent Black Sea Attacks

Among the recent incidents, four Indian seafarers were among the 10 people killed after the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo was struck by multiple missiles while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19.

A day earlier, another Indian crew member was killed when the bulk carrier MV Omorfi came under attack while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters.

The advisory also noted that the foreign-flagged tankers MT Louise-1, MT Asia and MT Nelsa, all carrying Indian crew members, were recently attacked near Novorossiysk, Russia.

Consular Assistance Available

The MEA said Indian nationals requiring assistance can contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in the region using the emergency contact details provided in the advisory.