'Exercise Utmost Caution': India Warns Seafarers Against Black Sea Jobs After 5 Deaths

Published 26 July 2026 · india

'Exercise Utmost Caution': India Warns Seafarers Against Black Sea Jobs After 5 Deaths Published By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 13:46 IST The MEA has

'Exercise Utmost Caution': India Warns Seafarers Against Black Sea Jobs After 5 Deaths Published By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 13:46 IST The MEA has urged Indian seafarers to carefully assess security risks before taking jobs on vessels in the Black Sea after five nationals were killed in recent attacks. Rapid Read The MEA has issued a fresh advisory for Indian seafarers amid rising attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday advised Indian nationals planning to work on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea to carefully assess the security situation before accepting assignments, citing the growing threat to merchant ships in the conflict-hit region. The advisory comes after five Indian seafarers lost their lives in separate attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, where missile and drone strikes have intensified in recent months. ‘Highly Volatile’ Security Situation in Black Sea In its advisory, the MEA said the security environment in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains “highly volatile" because of the ongoing conflict.

It warned that commercial vessels operating in or passing through the region continue to face significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. According to the ministry, there has been an increase in such incidents since April, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals. The MEA urged Indian citizens intending to work on merchant vessels in the conflict-affected region to carefully evaluate the prevailing security risks before taking up employment. Insurance, Emergency Cover Among Key Precautions For those who decide to work in the region, the ministry advised exercising “utmost caution" and obtaining complete information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel’s route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures. The advisory also asked seafarers to ensure their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in the event of an emergency. In addition, crew members have been advised to keep their families informed about their travel itinerary, maintain regular contact, and follow all advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), other government authorities, vessel operators and maritime authorities.