New Delhi prioritises evacuating stranded seafarers from hostile Ukrainian port

New Delhi is directing urgent attention toward rescuing 13 Indian seafarers trapped aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port. Officials from India's embassy in Ukraine confirmed they are giving highest priority to the safety of these citizens and maintain constant contact with relevant authorities to facilitate an evacuation.

Out of 15 total crew members on the stranded ship, 13 are Indian nationals living under severe threat. Representatives from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) warned that the vessel is locked in a "terrible and life-threatening" situation due to repeated drone and missile strikes in the immediate vicinity. Union leaders shared video footage showing thick smoke rising near the strategic Black Sea harbour, proving the crew remains in constant fear of a direct hit. Recent reports suggest that while a ballistic missile struck a nearby port warehouse, maritime authorities confirm the hull remains structurally safe for now.

These tensions fit into a broader geopolitical struggle, as control over Black Sea shipping lanes has remained a highly contested military objective since Russian forces invaded Ukraine. This latest emergency follows a tragic string of recent attacks on merchant vessels in the region. On July 18, a strike on MV OMORFI in Russian territorial waters left one Indian seafarer dead. Just a day later, MV GOLDEN LEO suffered an attack departing the Port of Odesa, resulting in the deaths of four more Indian sailors. Furthermore, two Indian crew members remain missing after a strike hit the Palau-flagged MV AGN Ragnar near Odesa.

Following these casualties, Indian officials summoned Russian and Ukrainian diplomats to register strong protests. Government representatives demand strict protection for commercial shipping routes and all civilian seafarers operating across international waters.