India monitors MV AMIR1 as 13 seafarers face Black Sea drone threats

The Indian Embassy in Kyiv is monitoring MV AMIR1 after reports of drone and missile threats near Chornomorsk port. The case has deepened concern for Indian seafarers in the war zone, days after two sailors went missing from MV AGN Ragnar.The Indian Embassy in Ukraine said on Wednesday it was closely monitoring the situation involving MV AMIR1, a merchant vessel carrying 13 Indian seafarers near Ukraine's Black Sea coast, after reports that it was facing repeated drone and missile threats. The embassy said it was in constant touch with the authorities concerned to ensure the safety and security of the Indian crew.The development comes days after another merchant vessel, MV AGN Ragnar, was struck at Ukraine's Odesa port on July 25 while four Indians were on board. Two Indian seafarers remain missing, and India is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities in the ongoing search operation.In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv said, "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 statement came after the Forward Seamen's Union of India urged the government and other authorities to immediately secure the safety of the crew and arrange their evacuation. According to the union, MV AMIR1 is docked at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port with 15 crew members on board, 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. The union said, "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."On Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was coordinating with Ukrainian authorities in the search for the two missing Indian crew members of MV AGN Ragnar and remained in touch with their families. He 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. With the situation around MV AMIR1 under watch, the embassy said it was giving the matter the highest priority while India continued efforts on both cases. With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Jul 29, 2026 12:06 IST