The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on Tuesday confirmed that all crew members aboard MV Amir 1, a Tanzanian-flagged general cargo vessel stranded at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port, are safe despite missile strikes reported near the port. The vessel has a total of 15 crew members, including 13 Indian seafarers. The DGMA's statement came after growing concerns over the crew's safety amid the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea region.

The confirmation followed an appeal by the Forward Seamen Union of India (FSUI), which described the situation as serious and dangerous. The union said the crew remained trapped in a conflict zone and wanted to sign off from the vessel. It expressed concern over their safety and urged authorities to act quickly.

The FSUI also pointed to recent incidents in the Black Sea in which five Indian seafarers lost their lives in two separate cases. The union said these incidents had increased fears among the crew members aboard MV Amir 1. It also shared a video on social media that allegedly showed smoke rising close to the vessel. According to the union, drone and missile attacks have taken place repeatedly in the immediate vicinity of the ship.

In a message sent to the DGMA on Tuesday, the crew informed authorities that a ballistic missile had struck a warehouse inside the port area just moments before they sent the update. The crew also provided details about their immediate priorities while remaining onboard the vessel. They stated, “Our primary focus is ensuring the safety of the crew and the structural integrity of the hull,” the message said, adding that “a formal damage assessment and deck log would be submitted once the security situation permitted an inspection.”

The crew indicated that they would inspect the vessel after the security situation improves and prepare a detailed damage assessment and complete the deck log. Their message highlighted the risks they continue to face while remaining at the port.

The FSUI continued to press for immediate action. In a post on X, the union appealed to the shipowner, the Tanzanian flag state and the Government of India to ensure the crew's safety without delay. It also called for arrangements to bring the seafarers back to India at the earliest.

The union stressed that the crew should not remain in a conflict zone where they face constant danger. While making its appeal, the FSUI said, “Indian seafarers must not be left as sitting targets in conflict zones.” The statement reflected the union's concern over the repeated attacks reported near the vessel and the risks faced by the crew.

The DGMA's confirmation that all crew members are safe has provided some relief to the families of the Indian seafarers. However, the vessel remains stranded at Chornomorsk port, where the security situation remains uncertain. The latest developments highlighted the challenges faced by merchant ships operating in areas affected by armed conflict.

The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on international vessels in conflict zones. With repeated attacks reported near the port and the crew requesting permission to leave the ship, pressure has increased on the concerned authorities to ensure their safe evacuation and repatriation. For now, officials have confirmed that all 15 crew members, including 13 Indians, remain safe amid the precarious safety situation.