Seafarer Killed in Drone Attacks on Ships Near Odesa

One seafarer was killed and another injured after Russian drone strikes hit civilian vessels operating in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region on Friday.

Ukraine’s deputy prime minister said the attacks were directed at ships sailing in or near the country’s maritime export corridor, a vital route for maintaining agricultural exports.

Among the vessels struck was the Wael K, a general cargo ship registered under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The ship was en route to the port of Chornomorsk to load grain when it was targeted. A second vessel, the bulk carrier Ladonna, flying the flag of the Comoros Islands, was hit close to the port of Odesa while transporting a cargo of soybeans.

The incident led to the death of a Syrian crew member, while at least one other seafarer was reported injured. Ukrainian officials said emergency response teams were deployed immediately and noted that initial reports indicated there may be additional casualties.