The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday, 29 July confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation of 13 Indian seafarers stranded aboard cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Chornomorsk port on the Black Sea, describing the matter as its 'highest priority' as drone and missile strikes continue in the vicinity of the strategic harbour.

What Is Happening at Chornomorsk

At least 13 Indian nationals are among 15 crew members trapped aboard MV AMIR1, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI), which first raised the alarm. The union has described conditions onboard as a 'terrible and life-threatening situation', with crew members living in 'constant fear of a direct hit at any moment' as the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates near the port.

The FSUI also released a video purportedly filmed from aboard the vessel, showing thick plumes of smoke rising from areas surrounding the ship — a stark visual of the deteriorating security environment at the Black Sea harbour.

What the Indian Embassy Said

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy stated: 'A situation regarding MV AMIR1 with Indian seafarers onboard has been brought to our attention. We attach the highest priority to this and are in constant touch with all concerned to ensure safety and security of all Indians onboard.' Indian officials confirmed they are in active contact with relevant authorities to safeguard the crew.

Union Demands and Appeals

The FSUI has urgently appealed to the Indian government, shipowners, the vessel's flag state, and other relevant authorities to take immediate steps to secure the crew's safety and arrange their early evacuation and repatriation. The union's intervention has brought the crisis into sharp public focus at a time when civilian maritime operations across Ukraine's southern coastline are under severe strain.

Broader Context: India's Diplomatic Response

This distress call is part of a wider pattern. A series of attacks on merchant vessels operating near Ukraine's southern coast has transformed the Black Sea into an increasingly hazardous zone for civilian shipping in recent days. New Delhi has already summoned both Russian and Ukrainian diplomats to register its strong protest over repeated strikes affecting civilian merchant vessels. India has also called for guaranteed safety of commercial shipping and civilian seafarers in international waters, underscoring its consistent position of protecting its nationals regardless of the geopolitical context of the conflict.

With diplomatic channels now activated and the union pressing for evacuation, the coming hours will be critical for the 13 Indian seafarers aboard MV AMIR1.