13 Indian Sailors Trapped In Ukraine

Indian sailors are facing a tough time due to the ongoing geopolitical conflicts like the US – Iran war and the Russia – Ukraine confrontation. Nearly 20 Indian seafarers died in different attacks due to the these tensions at various key maritime points. Now, 13 sailors are reportedly trapped in Ukraine port.

As per latest reports, the Indian seafarers are currently trapped aboard in a cargo ship named MV AMIR1 at the Chornomorsk port in southern Ukraine. The ship has a total of 15 crew members on board, with majority of them being Indians.

A seafarers union named the Forward Seamen’s Union of India shared details about the situation, explaining that the ship cannot leave the port due to the ongoing conflict in the area.

As missile and drone attacks are taking place near the port where the ship is docked, all crew members are living in continuous fear and panic. They have appealed to the Indian government to quickly intervene and ensure their safety.

Just a day prior to this appeal, an attack on another vessel named MV OMORFI near Odesa resulted in the death of an Indian crew member. Over recent weeks, multiple other commercial ships carrying Indian sailors have also been hit by strikes in nearby waters.

So far, 5 seafarers died due to the Russia – Ukraine war. In response to these deadly strikes, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to express deep concern over the safety of civilian ships and seafarers.