Concern increases over 13 Indian sailors stranded on MV AMIR1 amid war in the Black Sea. India said- Their security is our biggest priority. After all, what are the conditions on the ship?
New Delhi/Kyiv: Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, serious concerns have once again arisen regarding the safety of Indian sailors. 13 Indian sailors aboard the cargo ship MV AMIR1 docked at Chornomorsk port in Ukraine are trapped in the constant drone and missile attacks. The situation is said to be so tense that life is in danger every moment. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine has clarified that the safety of all these Indian nationals is its “topmost priority” and constant contact has been maintained with all concerned in this regard.
Why has uneasiness increased at the Black Sea ports?
Chornomorsk Port remains a sensitive center of the Russia-Ukraine conflict these days. A total of 15 crew members are present on MV AMIR1 stranded at the same port, which includes 13 Indian sailors. The ship is parked in an area where there are continuous reports of drone and missile attacks. This is the reason why the concerns of families and maritime organizations about the safety of the sailors present on the ship are continuously increasing. The Indian Embassy said in a statement released on social media platform X that it is fully aware of the matter and every necessary step is being taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens.
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‘Fear of death every moment’…Union narrated the ordeal of the sailors stranded on the ship
Forward Siemens Union of India (FSUI) has described the entire incident as a “horrible and life-threatening situation”. The union says that there are continuous attempts of drone and missile attacks around the ship, due to which the crew members are forced to live in an environment of fear and insecurity. The union also shared a video, which shows plumes of smoke surrounding the ship. This video tells how serious the security situation around the port has become. The union has sought immediate intervention from the Government of India, the ship owner, the flag state and international maritime agencies so that all the seafarers can be safely evacuated.
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What did the Indian Embassy say?
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine said in its statement that the situation related to MV AMIR1 is in its cognizance and the matter has been kept on top priority. According to the Embassy, it is in constant touch with the local administration, maritime agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals onboard. The Embassy assured that the situation is being continuously monitored and necessary assistance will be provided if needed.
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Bloody week of Black Sea: Many Indians died within 2 weeks
This incident at Chornomorsk Port is not an isolated incident, but for the last two weeks, commercial ships have been continuously targeted in the international waters of the Black Sea, which has raised India’s concerns to the seventh sky:
- 18th July: MV OMORFI was attacked while transiting the Black Sea in Russian territorial waters, resulting in the tragic death of an Indian sailor.
- 19 July: MV GOLDEN LEO was hit by a missile as it left Odessa port in Ukraine, killing four Indian sailors.
- Other events: Two Indian sailors are missing in the high seas after Palau-flagged cargo ship MV AGN Ragnar was ambushed off Odessa.
Diplomatic war: India summons ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine!
Angered by the continuous deaths of its innocent sailors and attacks on ships, New Delhi has taken a tough stance. The Indian government without any delay summoned the top diplomats of both Russia and Ukraine to the Ministry of External Affairs. India lodged a strong protest with both the warring countries in a strong tone and clearly said that using commercial shipping and civilian sailors as pawns in this war should be stopped immediately. Now the eyes of the whole world are on whether India can safely rescue its 13 brave sailors from this well of death in Ukraine, or whether this bloody conflict in the Black Sea will take another new turn!
Will Indian sailors be able to return safely?
The situation of 13 Indian sailors stranded at Chornomorsk Port has once again raised serious questions over the safety of Indian maritime workers working in war-torn areas. Despite the assurances of the Indian Embassy, the biggest concern is that when and how will the plan to safely evacuate these sailors succeed amidst the continuous drone and missile attacks. At present the entire incident is in the eyes of the Indian Government, maritime agencies and the international community. The coming days will decide whether Indian sailors are able to come out safely from this dangerous shadow of war or not.
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