Concern has increased regarding the safety of 13 Indian sailors in the war-affected area of the Black Sea. MV AMIR1, a cargo ship docked at Chornomorsk Port in Ukraine, is stuck amidst continuous drone and missile attacks. A total of 15 crew members are present on the ship, which includes 13 Indian citizens.
Seafarers’ organization Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has expressed concern over this matter and appealed for immediate intervention of the Government of India, the ship owner and the concerned authorities. The organization says that the sailors trapped in the war zone are living in danger every moment.
MV AMIR1 ship stuck in war zone, atmosphere of fear among sailors
According to FSUI, MV AMIR1 is still docked at the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, while military activities continue in the surrounding areas. The organization has claimed that incidents of drone and missile attacks are taking place around the ship, due to which the safety of the crew present on the ship is in danger. The organization said that sailors are always in fear that an attack could directly damage the ship.
Demand for safe return of 13 Indian sailors
The seafarers’ organization has appealed to the Government of India and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety of the people on the ship as soon as possible and to make arrangements to bring them back safely. FSUI said that Indian sailors working in conflict areas should not be left alone in danger. The organization demanded immediate action and said that their safe return should be the biggest priority.
Questions regarding security have already been raised in the Black Sea area
Due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, maritime activities in the Black Sea region have been continuously affected. Concerns have been raised many times regarding the safety of merchant ships and their crew members passing through this area. Sailors working in war zones are not only at risk of attacks, but also have to face problems like being stranded at ports for long periods.
India condemns attacks on commercial ships
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed concern about attacks on commercial ships. The ministry has described such attacks as a threat to maritime security, international trade and freedom of navigation. India has appealed to the parties concerned to ensure the safety of civilian seafarers and merchant ships and not make them targets of conflict.
Efforts for safe evacuation of Indian sailors are still going on.
The situation regarding the 13 Indian sailors present on MV AMIR1 still remains sensitive. The sailors’ organization is continuously demanding their safety and early return. The eyes of the families of these sailors stranded in the war zone are now fixed on the action of the government and concerned agencies. The biggest challenge is to get all the crew members out safely without any risk amid the conflict.
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