On the night of June 22, Russia used drones to strike civilian merchant vessels sailing toward Ukrainian ports.
According to sea-news.az referencing the press services of the Ukrainian Navy and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA), a fire broke out on the Turkish-owned vessel VICTRESS.
Although the dry cargo ship is Turkish-owned, it was sailing under the flag of Panama. Following the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike, a fire erupted on the vessel, causing severe damage.
Despite the rescue efforts of the Ukrainian Navy for the vessel’s crew, one person lost their life.
“Unfortunately, a crew member – a 58-year-old cook – was killed. We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. The remaining eight seafarers have been evacuated,” the USPA stated.
As a result of the attacks by Russian troops, civilian vessels sailing under the flags of Palau and Belize were also damaged. There were no casualties, and those vessels continued on their way.
