A civilian cargo vessel sailing under the Palau flag was attacked while departing from a port in Ukraine’s Odesa region, leaving two crew members missing and prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.
The vessel, which was carrying nearly 2,800 tonnes of corn, was struck twice after leaving the port, according to Mykola Kalashnik, Ukraine’s Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport, who reported the incident on Telegram.
Rescue Efforts Continue
A fire broke out onboard following the attacks. Preliminary information indicated that seven crew members and a Ukrainian harbor pilot were rescued, while two sailors remain missing as search and rescue teams continue operations.
Kalashnik described the incident as another attack against civilian maritime infrastructure and international shipping, warning that it threatens navigational safety, global trade, and food security.
“This is yet another deliberate strike against civil infrastructure and international shipping. Russia once again demonstrates a complete disregard for international law, creating threats to the safety of navigation, global trade and food security,” Kalashnik said in a statement posted on Telegram.
Operational Impact
The incident comes amid continued security concerns affecting Ukraine’s port infrastructure and commercial shipping operations in the Black Sea. Following the attack, OLSIDZ, one of Ukraine’s largest producers and exporters of vegetable oils and meal, announced the suspension of its operations in the Odesa region due to security threats.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, while search and rescue operations remain underway to locate the missing crew members.
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