In a statement posted on X on Wednesday,(29 July) the Embassy said it has accorded the highest priority to the matter and is in constant contact with all concerned authorities to ensure the safety and security of the Indian nationals on board. “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,” the Embassy said.     According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), MV AMIR1 is currently berthed at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk Port with a crew of 15, including 13 Indian seafarers. The union claimed that the vessel has been exposed to repeated drone and missile attacks in its vicinity, leaving the crew in constant fear of being caught in the conflict.

The FSUI has urged the Government of India, shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and other concerned authorities to immediately secure the safety of the crew and arrange their prompt repatriation.

“Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones,” the union said, calling for urgent intervention.

The incident comes just days after merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck while berthed at Ukraine’s Odesa Port on July 25, resulting in two Indian crew members going missing.   On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is coordinating with the Ukrainian authorities in the ongoing search for the missing seafarers and remains in regular contact with their families.

Reiterating India’s position, the MEA emphasized that commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted during armed conflicts. India has also called for the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

The latest developments highlight the growing risks faced by merchant shipping operating in the Black Sea region as hostilities continue, with the safety of civilian seafarers remaining a matter of international concern.