13 Indian sailors trapped amid attacks in Black Sea: Union

Fifteen sailors, including 13 Indians, are trapped in a “terrible and life-threatening situation” at the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in the Black Sea owing to missile and drone attacks in the vicinity, says Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI).

The crew members, who are onboard M.V. AMIR1, are living under the constant fear of a direct hit at any moment, according to an FSUI post on X.

“We urgently appeal to all concerned authorities, shipowners, flag state, and the Government of India to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation,” says the post.

On July 25, Indian time, Palau-flagged General Cargo Ship AGN RAGNAR was reportedly attacked by three drones while exiting the Bystre Mouth of the Danube river into the Black Sea.

During the attack, two Indian nationals, Chandra Ram Dubey (Ordinary Seaman) and Gupta Kumar Deepak (Ordinary Seaman), reportedly jumped overboard and are still missing. Search operations had been called off because of the continued attacks.

The remaining seven crew members, including two Indian nationals and the pilot, were safely evacuated ashore by the Ukrainian Coast Guard.