‘Exercise utmost caution’: India issues Black Sea advisory for seafarers after deadly attacks on merchant vessels

The Centre on Sunday issued a security advisory urging Indian seafarers working on merchant vessels in or transiting the Black Sea to exercise extreme caution following the deaths of five Indian nationals in recent attacks on commercial shipping.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned that the security situation in the Black Sea and adjoining maritime regions remains “highly volatile” due to the ongoing conflict, with merchant vessels increasingly coming under missile and drone attacks.

The advisory asked Indian nationals to carefully assess the risks before accepting assignments on ships operating in the conflict zone.

Seafarers who choose to work in the region have been advised to obtain detailed information from employers and ship operators about the vessel’s route, ports of call, onboard security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response plans.

The government also urged crew members to ensure their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and include provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in case of emergencies.

In addition, Indian seafarers have been asked to keep their families informed of their movements, maintain regular communication, follow advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), and strictly adhere to safety protocols issued by maritime authorities and vessel operators.

The MEA also referred to a July 23 advisory issued by the DGMA, which called for the “highest degree of caution” after 10 attacks on foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew members since April.

The latest warning follows a series of deadly incidents. Four Indian sailors were among 10 people killed when MV Golden Leo was struck by multiple missiles while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19. Another Indian seafarer lost his life a day earlier when the bulk carrier MV Omorfi came under attack while sailing through the Black Sea.

Several other vessels carrying Indian crew members—including MT Louise-1, MT Asia and MT Nelsa—have also reportedly been targeted near Russia’s Novorossiysk port in recent weeks.

The MEA said Indian seafarers requiring assistance can contact Indian diplomatic missions in Russia and Ukraine for emergency consular support.