Indian Mission Tracks Safety of 13 Seafarers Aboard Vessel in Ukraine Amid Concerns
Embassy in Kyiv stays in touch with authorities as Indian crew members face security concerns near Black Sea coast
KYIV, Jul 30: The Indian Embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the safety of 13 Indian seafarers onboard merchant vessel MV AMIR1, which is currently near Ukraine’s Black Sea coast amid reports of repeated drone and missile attacks in the surrounding area.
The embassy said it has given top priority to the matter and is maintaining continuous communication with all relevant authorities to ensure the security and well-being of the Indian crew members aboard the vessel.
“Information regarding MV AMIR1 with Indian seafarers onboard has been brought to our attention. We attach the highest priority to this issue and are in constant touch with all concerned authorities to ensure the safety and security of all Indians onboard,” the Indian Embassy in Kyiv said in a post on X.
The development comes shortly after another incident involving Indian sailors in the war-affected region. On July 25, merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was hit at Ukraine’s Odesa port, where four Indian crew members were present. Two Indian seafarers are still missing, while search operations continue with coordination between Indian and Ukrainian authorities.
The latest concern was highlighted by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), which urged authorities to take immediate steps to protect the crew members of MV AMIR1 and facilitate their safe return.
According to the maritime workers’ organisation, the vessel is currently stationed at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port and has 15 crew members onboard, including 13 Indians. The union claimed that frequent drone and missile strikes in the nearby area have created a dangerous environment for those on the ship.
“Indian seafarers should not be left vulnerable in conflict zones. All necessary measures must be taken to ensure their safety and arrange their evacuation at the earliest,” the FSUI said.
The union also appealed to the shipowner, flag state authorities, and the Government of India to take coordinated action to safeguard the crew and prevent any possible threat to their lives.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India remains actively engaged with Ukrainian authorities regarding the search for the missing crew members of MV AGN Ragnar.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is in regular contact with the families of the missing seafarers and is working with local authorities to support the ongoing rescue efforts.
India has repeatedly maintained that commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and innocent seafarers should remain protected during armed conflicts. New Delhi has also called for the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be resolved through diplomatic negotiations and peaceful dialogue.
The Indian government continues to monitor developments involving Indian nationals in the region and remains focused on ensuring their safety amid the ongoing security challenges around Ukraine’s ports.
