Cargo Ship Hit by Unexploded Ordnance off Ukraine

The NS Pride, a 37-year-old Belize-flagged general cargo vessel, was struck by unexploded ordnance while departing the port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine, yesterday. The impact triggered several explosions.

According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the blasts were likely caused by an unexploded unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that had been disabled by Ukrainian electronic warfare during a prior strike on the port. Video reviewed by Ambrey showed multiple downed UAVs floating in the waters outside Chornomorsk.

Unverified reports received by the firm also suggested that UAVs may have dropped “compact naval mines” in the vicinity during the earlier attack.

At the time of the incident, the NS Pride was sailing in ballast en route to Sulina, Romania. All crew members were reported safe, and while the ship sustained minor damage, there was no breach of the hull or water ingress.