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Russian Drones Attack Grain Ship, Killing Two
Confirmed
In Short: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian drones of carrying out a deadly attack on a Turkish-owned grain ship in the Black Sea on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian drones of carrying out a deadly attack on a Turkish-owned grain ship in the Black Sea on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.
Romanian authorities reported that a fire broke out on a commercial vessel within Romania's exclusive economic zone, leading to the ship's sinking.
According to Romanian officials, eleven crew members were rescued, while two were identified as deceased. The Romanian Naval Authority spokesperson, Irina Puscasu, confirmed that three crew members were injured and eight were in good condition.
Zelensky stated that the ship's captain was among the casualties. The vessel was carrying corn and was owned by Turkey, with Azerbaijani and Indian nationals on board.
Turkey expressed frustration over the incident, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan telling the UN General Assembly that such attacks were 'unacceptable'.
Romanian media reported that the ship was struck by one or more drones near the Pescăruș offshore oil and gas platform operated by OMV Petrom. The incident occurred in Romania’s exclusive economic zone but outside its territorial waters.
The Romanian Interior Ministry said the Coast Guard was alerted at around 11 a.m. local time (14:00 UTC) and the vessel was located some 30 nautical miles south of Sfantul Gheorghe in Tulcea County.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine had proposed concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and ensure security in the Black Sea, adding that pressure was needed to restore global food security.
The Romanian Naval Authority reported that the burning ship sank while rescuers were searching for its crew.
VesselFinder data showed that the ship had last called at Izmail and was scheduled to arrive in Ravenna on October 12.
The incident highlights the increasing frequency of drone activity in eastern Europe as Ukraine continues to fight off a Russian invasion launched in 2022.
Romanian authorities did not specify the cause of the fire, but local media reported that the ship was hit by a drone.
Background
Türkiye Today reported that a Russian drone strike hit the Starokozache border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, killing two civilians and injuring three others.
Kyiv's offensive on Russian oil facilities, especially refineries, is a direct response to Moscow's persistent attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, including Black Sea ports, ships, and civilian targets.
What's confirmed
- "At around 11:00, Coast Guard border police officers were informed that a fire had broken out on board a commercial vessel located within Romania's exclusive economic zone," the ministry said in a statement.
- "Eleven crew members have been rescued. Two deceased persons have also been identified," it added.
What's still developing
- "But Russia consistently chooses terror and sinking civilian vessels instead of normal maritime navigation," Zelenskyy wrote on social media.