Thirteen Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, where continuing drone and missile attacks have placed them in what has been described
as a “life-threatening situation”, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI).
In an urgent appeal posted on X, the union said the vessel, MV AMIR1, remains docked at Chornomorsk as hostilities continue in the surrounding area.
“MV 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.
Union says crew living in constant fear
The FSUI alleged that repeated drone and missile attacks were taking place close to the vessel, leaving the crew under constant threat.
“Repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. The crew is living under constant fear of a direct hit at any moment,” it said.
The union appealed to the shipowners, the vessel’s flag state, the concerned authorities and the Government of India to act immediately to ensure the safety of those on board and facilitate their evacuation.
“We urgently appeal to all concerned authorities, shipowners, flag state, and the Government of India to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation,” the union said.
Calling for immediate intervention, it added, “Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones. Act now.”
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
Appeal comes after MEA raises concerns with Ukraine
The union’s appeal comes a day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised concerns with Ukraine over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Black Sea.
On Monday, the MEA summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, following an attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The vessel had four Indian crew members on board.
India condemns attack on commercial shipping
The MEA said the strike resulted in the death of an Indian national and strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping.
The ministry described such strikes as a threat to maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international commerce. It also urged the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that commercial vessels carrying civilian seafarers are not targeted.
The latest appeal by the FSUI highlights continuing concerns over the safety of Indian sailors working on merchant vessels operating in the conflict-affected Black Sea region.
With MV AMIR1 still anchored at Chornomorsk, the union has called for urgent intervention to secure the crew’s safety and arrange their prompt return, warning that the seafarers remain exposed to repeated drone and missile attacks in the vicinity of the port.
