Ukrainian officials say a Russian drone strike in the Black Sea killed the captain of a Tanzanian-flagged civilian ship and injured three crew members. The vessel's technical condition is being assessed and no cargo or destination details have been released. The attack is part of a broader maritime escalation since early July, with more than 280 vessels reportedly damaged and Ukraine's seaborne trade largely halted.
Russian Drone Strike Kills Captain of Tanzanian-Flagged Civilian Ship in Black Sea, Ukraine Says
FILE PHOTO - A cargo ship sails along the temporary corridor between Ukrainian Black Sea ports. (is associated with: «Captain killed in Russian drone attack on civilian ship, Ukraine says») -/Ukrinform/dpa
Ukrainian authorities say the captain of a civilian vessel was killed after a Russian drone struck the ship in the Black Sea. Three other crew members were injured, the Ukrainian Transport Ministry reported on Thursday.
The ministry said the vessel was sailing under the Tanzanian flag and that officials are assessing its technical condition. Authorities have not released information about the ship's cargo or destination.
Wider Maritime Escalation
The incident comes amid a wider cycle of maritime strikes since early July. Ukraine's drone units began targeting cargo ships and tankers calling at Russian-controlled ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian officials estimate more than 280 vessels have been damaged to varying degrees since those operations began.
Russia has responded with increased attacks on vessels calling at Ukrainian Black Sea ports, a campaign that has largely halted shipping and severely disrupted Ukraine's seaborne trade.
Note: Investigations into the ship's technical status and the circumstances of the attack are ongoing. The Transport Ministry has provided limited details pending the outcome of assessments.
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