KYIV : FSUI seeks repatriation of 13 Indian seafarers trapped on MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk Port amid drone and missile attacks. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv is monitoring the situation.On Wednesday it said that, it was closely monitoring the situation involving a merchant vessel carrying 13 Indian seafarers near Ukraine’s Black Sea coast, following reports that it was under threat from repeated drone and missile attacks.
The embassy said it was in constant touch with all authorities concerned to ensure the safety and security of the Indian crew onboard MV AMIR1. “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,” the Indian Embassy in Kyiv wrote on X.
This comes just days after four Indian crew members were onboard merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar when it was struck at Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 25. Two of the Indian seafarers remain missing, with New Delhi coordinating with Ukrainian authorities in the search operation.
According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), MV AMIR1 is docked at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port with 15 crew members on board, including 13 Indians. It had issued a statement urging the Indian government to secure the safety of the crew and arrange their evacuation.
The FSUI alleged that repeated drone and missile attacks were taking place in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, leaving the crew in constant fear of a direct strike. “We urgently appeal to all concerned authorities, shipowners, flag state, and the Government of India to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation. Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones.”
On July 21, India summoned the Russian Charge d’Affaires, Vladimir Ladanov, to convey Delhi’s “unequivocal condemnation” and “grave concern” over the deaths of four Indian seafarers in the Russian missile strike on merchant vessel MV Golden Leo on July 19 off the coast of Ukraine, which killed four Indians.
On July 18, an Indian seafarer was killed in an attack on a ship while it was reportedly transiting Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea. India summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador and conveyed its strong concern over the targeting of a ship transiting Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea on July 18, in which one Indian seafarer was killed.
