'Highest Priority': India On 13 Crew Members Stranded Aboard MV AMIR1 Near Ukraine's Chornomorsk Port

Published 29 July 2026 · europe

'Highest Priority': India On 13 Crew Members Stranded Aboard MV AMIR1 Near Ukraine's Chornomorsk Port Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 11:04 IST The

'Highest Priority': India On 13 Crew Members Stranded Aboard MV AMIR1 Near Ukraine's Chornomorsk Port Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 11:04 IST The Indian Embassy in Ukraine says it is giving the "highest priority" to the safety of Indians aboard MV AMIR1 after reports said 13 Indian seafarers stranded at Chornomorsk port. The Indian Embassy in Ukraine said it is giving the "highest priority" to the safety of Indians aboard MV AMIR1 and is in constant touch with all concerned authorities after reports that 13 Indian seafarers are stranded at Chornomorsk port. (File photo/Reuters) The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said it is giving the “highest priority" to the safety and security of Indians aboard cargo vessel MV AMIR1, after reports emerged that 13 Indian seafarers are stranded at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port amid repeated drone and missile attacks near the Black Sea harbour. In a statement posted on X, the embassy said it is in constant touch with all concerned authorities regarding the situation. “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." 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. @MEAIndia— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) July 29, 2026 The statement comes after concerns were raised over the safety of the crew as the conflict around Ukraine’s southern coastline continues. 13 Indian Seafarers Trapped At Chornomorsk Port The 13 Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1, which remains stranded at Chornomorsk port in Ukraine. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) described the situation as “terrible and life-threatening", saying the vessel is located in an area witnessing repeated drone and missile attacks. In a post on X, the union said, “M.V. AMIR1, currently at Ukrainian port Chornomorsk with 15 crew on board, including 13 Indian seafarers, is trapped in a terrible and life-threatening situation." The union further stated, “Repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the vessel.

The crew is living under constant fear of a direct hit at any moment." FSUI urged the Indian government, shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and other concerned authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the crew and facilitate their evacuation and repatriation. The union also shared a video purportedly recorded from onboard the vessel, showing thick plumes of smoke rising from areas surrounding the ship, highlighting the deteriorating security situation near the strategic Black Sea port. Incident Comes Days After Deadly Black Sea Attacks The latest development comes less than two weeks after a series of attacks on merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea. MV OMORFI was struck on July 18 while transiting the Black Sea in Russian territorial waters, killing one Indian seafarer. A day later, MV GOLDEN LEO was hit while departing Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, resulting in the deaths of four Indian seafarers. In another incident, the Palau-flagged cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar was hit near the Port of Odesa, with two Indian seafarers remaining missing. The incidents prompted India to summon both Russian and Ukrainian diplomats and convey its strong protest over repeated attacks affecting civilian merchant vessels.