At least 13 Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members stranded aboard cargo vessel M.V. AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, where continued drone and missile attacks have raised serious concerns over their safety.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has described the situation as “life-threatening” and urged the Indian government, shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the crew’s safety and arrange their evacuation.

FSUI seeks urgent rescue of stranded Indian crew

In a post on X, the FSUI said the vessel remains trapped at Chornomorsk while repeated drone and missile attacks are taking place in the surrounding area.

According to the union, the crew is living under constant fear of being hit as hostilities continue near the Black Sea port. It appealed for urgent intervention, stating that Indian seafarers should not be left exposed in conflict zones and called for their prompt repatriation.

The union also shared a video, which it said was recorded from the vessel, showing large plumes of smoke rising near the port, underscoring the volatile security situation.

No official response yet

As of the latest reports, neither India’s Ministry of External Affairs nor the shipping company operating the vessel had issued an official response regarding the reported distress of the Indian crew members.

Black Sea security concerns continue

The latest incident comes amid growing risks to commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues.

Earlier this week, India summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and lodged a strong protest following the death of an Indian seafarer in an attack on a merchant vessel in the Black Sea.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed New Delhi’s serious concern over the incident and strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping.

The merchant vessel MV Omorfi was reportedly struck during Ukrainian drone attacks amid the ongoing conflict, further highlighting the dangers faced by civilian ships operating in the region.

India has summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador after two merchant vessels carrying Indian crew were attacked in the Black Sea, raising concerns over the safety of Indians working in the conflict zone.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as a matter of serious concerns and conveyed India’s position directly to the Ukrainian envoy.

According to the MEA, the attacks took place amid the ongoing Russia-Ukrainian war, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat due to military operations. Although no deaths have been reported, several Indian seafarers were on board the affected vessels, prompting the government to seek immediate clarification from Ukraine and stress the need to ensure their safety.

During the meeting, the MEA reiterated that merchant ships engaged in commercial trade and civilian crew members must not become targets during armed conflict. India urged Ukraine to take all possible steps to prevent such incidents and to uphold international maritime law, which protects civilian shipping operating in international waters.

The ministry said it is in constant contact with Indian missions abroad, shipping companies, and maritime authorities to monitor the condition of Indian crew members. Officials have assured that diplomatic and consular assistance for the crew.

The attack have once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international cargo vessels operating in conflict-affected regions. The continuing war has disrupted shipping routes in the Black Sea, creating risks for commercial trade and the safety of multinational crews.

The latest diplomatic move reflects India’s consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While maintaining relations with both countries, India has repeatedly called for dialogue, a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the protection of civilians and commercial vessels under international law.

At least two people were killed and five others were injured after a shooting broke out during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival in Seattle, United States, on Sunday. The incident took place near the city’s iconic Space Needle, with authorities launching an investigation into the attack.

According to police, the shooting occurred at Seattle Center while the venue was hosting the popular Bite of Seattle festival, which features hundreds of local food vendors and live music performances. Officials said it was not immediately clear whether anyone had been taken into custody.

The Seattle Police Department said in a post on X that officers were responding to reports of multiple shooting victims and urged people to stay away from the area as the investigation continued.

Shooting erupted during crowded food festival

The gunfire was reported at around 6 pm local time inside Seattle Center, where large crowds had gathered for the annual festival. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and the injured victims were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, according to media reports.

The festival was underway when the shooting occurred, triggering panic among attendees as people fled the area seeking safety.

Video captures panic after gunfire

Videos circulating on social media appear to capture the moments after shots rang out, with people seen running through the venue amid the chaos.

Eyewitnesses told local broadcaster KOMO that they heard around seven to eight gunshots before crowds began scattering in different directions.

Police have not yet released details about a possible suspect or the motive behind the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.