The Saint Kitts and Nevis International Ship Registry (SKANReg) expresses its profound concern regarding three separate security incidents involving merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea region during July 2026.
Within a period of less than two weeks, three vessels: M/V ZEINAB (IMO No. 9070424), M/V OMORFI (IMO No. 7900091), and M/V GOLDEN ROSE (IMO No. 8801620), were reportedly subjected to hostile actions while engaged in lawful commercial activities.
The most serious incident involved M/V OMORFI, which was reportedly subjected to two drone attacks on 18 and 19 July 2026. The attacks resulted in the tragic loss of the vessel's Chief Officer, injuries to the Master and Second Engineer, damage to the vessel, and the subsequent evacuation of the remaining crew members.
On 21 July 2026, M/V GOLDEN ROSE was reportedly struck by an unidentified military weapon while transiting the Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea. A fire subsequently developed on board, resulting in the evacuation of all crew members. The vessel's Master sustained minor injuries, while no fatalities were reported.
Earlier, on 11 July 2026, M/V ZEINAB sustained damage following a reported drone strike while operating near the Ukrainian coast. Although the vessel suffered damage to deck structures and a lifeboat, all persons on board remained unharmed and the vessel retained its seaworthiness.
While no pollution or environmental contamination has been reported in connection with any of these incidents, the repeated targeting of merchant vessels highlights the increasingly hazardous conditions faced by civilian ships and seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis International Ship Registry remains deeply concerned by the continuing threats to the safety and welfare of seafarers, the security of international navigation, and the uninterrupted flow of global trade. Merchant vessels engaged in lawful commercial activities should never be exposed to circumstances that place civilian lives at risk.
Commenting on the incidents, the Administration stated: "The loss of life aboard M/V OMORFI represents a tragic reminder of the human cost associated with the ongoing hostilities in the Black Sea region. Seafarers are essential workers who facilitate global trade and economic stability. Their safety must remain a priority for the international community."
SKANReg extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased Chief Officer and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured crew members.
The Administration continues to monitor developments closely and remains in contact with the vessels' owners, managers, and relevant authorities. Reports on these incidents have been submitted, or are being submitted, to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other relevant stakeholders.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis International Ship Registry reiterates its commitment to the protection of seafarers, freedom of navigation, and the safety and security of merchant shipping worldwide. The Administration calls upon the international maritime community to continue efforts aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping routes, protecting human life at sea, and reducing the risks faced by civilian vessels operating in areas affected by armed conflict.
SKANReg echoes the concerns recently expressed by the IMO regarding the need to preserve navigational rights and freedoms under international law. The Administration also shares the IMO’s view that innocent passage through straits used for international navigation and trade must not be hindered, and that traffic management measures in vital shipping lanes should remain consistent with IMO regulations and the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the UNCLOS Convention.
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