Indian Sailors Trapped Under Fire as Maritime Casualties Rise in Black Sea Conflict
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has issued an urgent plea for the rescue of 13 Indian nationals currently trapped on the M.V. AMIR1 in Chornomorsk. Ongoing hostilities have already resulted in two Indian seafarers missing at sea following a drone strike on a separate vessel.
Emergency Evacuation Requested for Vessel in Chornomorsk
Thirteen Indian seafarers are currently trapped aboard the M.V. AMIR1 at the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk as the regional conflict intensifies. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) issued an urgent alert on July 28, 2026, describing the conditions on the vessel as life-threatening. The ship, which carries a total crew of 15, remains stationary as repeated drone and missile strikes hit the immediate vicinity of the port.
FSUI representatives characterized the situation as a state of constant fear, with the crew anticipating a direct hit. The union has formally petitioned the Government of India, the shipowners, and the flag state to intervene. Their demands focus on immediate safety security and the prompt repatriation of all personnel involved.
Missing Seafarers and Suspended Search Efforts
The situation in the Black Sea has already turned tragic for Indian maritime workers. On July 25, the Palau-flagged general cargo ship, AGN RAGNAR, faced a targeted attack by three drones while navigating the Bystre Mouth of the Danube River. The following details have been confirmed regarding the incident:
- Two Indian nationals, Chandra Ram Dubey and Gupta Kumar Deepak, both serving as Ordinary Seamen, jumped overboard during the assault.
- Search and rescue operations to find the missing men were officially suspended due to the persistence of nearby military strikes.
- The Ukrainian Coast Guard managed to evacuate the pilot and the remaining seven crew members, including two other Indian citizens.
Systemic Risks to Merchant Shipping
The escalation of violence in these vital shipping lanes continues to endanger non-combatant merchant mariners. With the search for the missing AGN RAGNAR crew currently halted, the focus of the FSUI remains on the 13 sailors aboard the M.V. AMIR1. The union warns that without swift diplomatic or maritime intervention, the likelihood of further casualties among Indian citizens in the Black Sea remains high.
Source: The Hindu — News
