Indian Embassy in Ukraine monitors safety of 13 seafarers aboard MV AMIR1 amid attack threat

The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said it was closely monitoring the situation involving merchant vessel MV AMIR1, which has 13 Indian seafarers on board, following reports that the ship was under threat from repeated drone and missile attacks near Ukraine's Black Sea coast.

The embassy said it was in constant touch with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the Indian crew. The development comes days after merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck at Ukraine's Odesa port on July 25, leaving two Indian crew members missing.

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"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 Indian Embassy in Kyiv said in a post on X.

According to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI), MV AMIR1 is docked at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port with 15 crew members, including 13 Indians. The union alleged that repeated drone and missile attacks were taking place in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, leaving the crew in constant fear of a direct strike.

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"We urgently appeal to all concerned authorities, shipowners, flag state, and the Government of India to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation. Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones," the FSUI said.

The latest incident comes as India continues efforts to trace two Indian seafarers who went missing after MV AGN Ragnar was hit at Odesa port. On Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was coordinating with Ukrainian authorities in the search operation and remained in touch with the families of the missing crew members.

Jaiswal also reiterated India's position that commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted under any circumstances, and that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.