A bulk carrier near Odessa was reportedly struck by drones, raising security concerns over maritime operations in the Black Sea.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that a bulk carrier, allegedly carrying military supplies for Ukraine, was struck by drones while sailing off the coast of Odessa. While the name of the ship, its flag, and the extent of the damage have not yet been determined, attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are raising security concerns in maritime transportation.
New attack off Odessa
In a statement made on November 1, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that operations involving drones targeting commercial vessels allegedly transporting military supplies to Ukraine were ongoing.
According to the ministry's statement, a bulk carrier sailing approximately 16 kilometers southeast of Odessa was targeted by Russian drones.
Russian authorities claimed that the vessel was carrying military supplies for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, details regarding the ship's name, flag state, the nature of its cargo, and the damage incurred in the attack were not disclosed.
The claim of the attack has not yet been verified by independent sources. There has also been no confirming statement from Ukrainian authorities regarding the incident.
Attacks on commercial vessels continue
The increase in attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea in recent weeks has once again brought the security of maritime transportation in the region to the international agenda.
Russia had previously stated that some cargo ships conducting voyages to the ports of Odessa and Chornomorsk were targeted under the pretext of carrying military supplies.
On October 28, the Liberia-flagged CONTSHIP JET container ship sank after being attacked by three unmanned surface vehicles off the coast of Bulgaria. All 18 crew members on board were rescued. However, the responsibility for the attack could not be independently determined.
Maritime trade in the Black Sea under pressure
The ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi play a crucial role in delivering Ukraine's grain, steel, and other commercial cargoes to international markets.
Attacks on commercial vessels and port infrastructure are among the developments that could affect shipowners' decisions to operate in the region, war risk insurance, and freight costs.
While Turkey and Ukraine continue their calls for the protection of safe navigation in the Black Sea, the recent attack claim has once again highlighted the dangers faced by commercial vessels in the area.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
