By Admin 
Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, the lives of 13 Indian sailors aboard a cargo ship at Chornomorsk port in Ukraine are in danger. The Indian Forward Seamen’s Union (FSUI) has claimed that the ship is stuck in the conflict zone amid drone and missile attacks. The union has appealed to the Central Government, ship owners and concerned authorities to immediately intervene and evacuate the Indian sailors safely.
13 Indians included in 15-member crew
According to Forward Siemens Union of India (FSUI), a cargo ship named MV AMIR1 is stranded at the Chornomorsk port of Ukraine. A total of 15 crew members are present on the ship, which includes 13 Indian sailors. The union says the threat to their lives is increasing with each passing day as the ship is still stuck in the war zone.
Union released video, smoke seen near the port
FSUI has also shared a video recorded from the ship. In the video, dense smoke is seen rising near the port. The union said that the situation is very serious and the crew should be evacuated as soon as possible.
‘Fear of direct attack every moment’
The union said the crew aboard MV AMIR1 are living in extremely dangerous conditions. According to the organization, there are continuous drone and missile attacks around the ship, due to which there is a possibility of a direct attack at any time. FSUI said that the crew is living in constant fear and they are worried about their safety every moment.
There are continuous attacks on merchant ships
This matter has come to light at a time when merchant ships near the southern coast of Ukraine are continuously becoming the target of attacks. Just a day before, the Indian government had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador. The reason for this was the attack on MV OMORFI. This ship was targeted near Odessa. There were four Indian crew members present on the ship at that time, out of which one Indian sailor died.
India had strongly condemned the attack
The Ministry of External Affairs had strongly condemned this attack, saying that attacks on commercial ships are a serious threat to maritime security, freedom of navigation and global trade. The ministry had also asked Ukraine to ensure that civilian merchant ships are not targeted during military operations.
Two ships have already been attacked
Earlier last week, MV AGN RAGNAR was also attacked near Odessa. There were four Indians present on the ship. Of these, two were rescued safely, while two others are still missing and their search is on. Earlier this month, MV Golden Leo was also attacked near Odessa. A total of 10 crew members were killed in this attack, which included four Indian citizens. After this incident, the Indian Government summoned the acting Ambassador (Chargé d’Affaires) of Russia and expressed serious concern about the safety of Indian sailors working in the conflict zone.
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Danger is increasing in the Black Sea
The latest incidents have once again raised questions about the safety of crews of merchant ships operating in the Black Sea region. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, many commercial ships are continuously coming under attack. Ports like Odessa and Chornomorsk are major centers of cargo transportation, but due to frequent drone and missile attacks, civilian crew working here have to live in danger on ships for several days.
India had already issued advisory
In view of the increasing threat, the Ministry of External Affairs had recently advised Indian citizens to thoroughly assess the security situation before accepting work on merchant ships operating in or passing through the Black Sea region. The ministry had warned that despite being civilian ships, merchant ships operating in this area are not safe from the threat of attacks.