13 Indian Sailors in Peril Amid Ongoing Conflict in Black Sea Region

In a troubling development, 15 sailors, including 13 from India, find themselves in a precarious situation at the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has raised alarms over the crew’s safety as the area is increasingly targeted by missile and drone strikes.

The merchant vessel, AMIR1, which sails under the Tanzanian flag, is currently stationed along the Black Sea coast, where the crew is reportedly living in constant fear of imminent attacks. The union emphasized the dire need for immediate action from various stakeholders, including the shipowner, the port’s governing authorities, and the Indian government, to ensure the sailors’ safety and facilitate their swift repatriation.

“Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones,” the union stated, highlighting the urgent necessity for protective measures in active conflict areas. As of now, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not provided any official statement regarding the unfolding situation.

This alarming incident follows a series of attacks on vessels in the region. Just a few days prior, an Indian embassy in Kyiv reported that a ship with four Indian nationals onboard was hit by a projectile at Odesa port. While two of the sailors are confirmed safe, there remains uncertainty about the status of the other two, prompting concerns among families and officials alike.

Earlier this month, another incident saw four Indian sailors tragically killed and one critically injured when their cargo ship was attacked shortly after leaving the port of Odesa. This attack involved a total of 17 crew members aboard, underscoring the growing risks faced by Indian nationals working in maritime sectors amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The broader context of these events is rooted in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has escalated significantly since the onset of hostilities in 2022. The impact of this conflict extends beyond military engagements, affecting civilians and professionals in various sectors, including maritime trade. As the situation evolves, the safety of Indian sailors remains a pressing concern for authorities and the families of those affected.

Source: scroll.in