13 Indian sailors among 15 crew members stranded at Ukraine port; crew expresses grave concern

KYIV: Thirteen Indian sailors are among 15 crew members reportedly stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port. The crew is said to be trapped amid continued missile and drone attacks in the Black Sea, raising serious safety concerns.

The Forward Seamen's Union of India said in a post on X that the sailors were in a life-threatening situation. The union said the crew was living in constant fear as missile and drone attacks could take place at any time. According to the union, repeated drone and missile strikes have been taking place near the vessel. It urged the concerned authorities, the ship's owners and the Indian government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the crew.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs and the shipping company have not yet confirmed the report. Similar attacks on vessels have been reported along Ukraine's southern coast. Last week, India lodged a protest with Ukraine after an Indian sailor was killed in an attack in the Black Sea. The government summoned Ukraine's Ambassador, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and conveyed its concerns over the incident.