Panama-flagged Bulk Ship Collides With Russian Mine In Black Sea, Two Injured

A Panama-flagged bulk ship on its way to the River Danube port for grain loading collided with a Russian mine in the Black Sea, injuring two crew members. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, is the latest in a string of civilian ships encountering explosives in the Black Sea, with Kyiv blaming the spike on intensified Russian attacks on shipping and port facilities. The Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to reply to inquiries seeking comment.

According to an unidentified shipping source cited by Reuters, the vessel involved is the Greek-operated VYSSOS. Nava Shipping, the Athens-based management named in databases, was not immediately available for any remark.

The ship’s course and control were lost, and a fire broke out on the upper deck.” According to the head of the Odesa regional prosecutor’s office, a captain and an Egyptian sailor were hurt, with the latter being taken to a hospital in Izmail. According to MarineTraffic, the incident occurred early Wednesday at a river mouth, with the vessel ceasing position updates.

According to the British maritime security firm Ambrey, the ship, known as the VYSSOS, was destined for Izmail. The mine collided with its stern, causing equipment and machinery to fail. There were 18 crew members on board, including 13 Egyptians, three Ukrainians, and one American.

Ukraine claims that Moscow has increased attacks on its port infrastructure since mid-July, coinciding with its departure from a United Nations-brokered agreement ensuring the safe passage of Ukrainian grain supplies through the Black Sea. In response, Kyiv established an alternative path along the Black Sea’s western coasts, claiming that Russian soldiers had dropped explosives in the area.

Reference: Reuters

Panama-flagged Bulk Ship Collides With Russian Mine In Black Sea, Two Injured appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News