A Panama-flagged bulk carrier bound for a River Danube port to load grain hit a Russian mine in the Black Sea, leading to two crew members being wounded.
This incident is part of increased Russian attacks on shipping and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, according to Kyiv. The vessel lost control and a fire broke out on the upper deck after hitting the mine. The wounded include the captain and an Egyptian sailor, with the latter hospitalized in Izmail, Reuters reports.
Moscow’s escalated attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure began in mid-July, following its withdrawal from a UN-brokered deal allowing safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea.
To remind, Ukraine has established an alternative route along the western shores of the Black Sea due to these security concerns.
