Russian drone strikes vessel carrying Ukrainian grain near Romania - Zelenskyy reacts
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
A Turkish vessel carrying grain from Ukraine to Italy was attacked by a drone in the Black Sea. A rescue operation is currently underway, with some crew members still missing, according to Digi24 and a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Drone attacks grain carrier in Black Sea
A drone struck the Turkish-flagged vessel Royad Mammadov, which was carrying Ukrainian grain.
The Romanian Navy's SAR Apollo and SAR Ares vessels have headed to the area. The rescue operation is underway southeast of the Pescăruș oil platform.
The outlet also reported that 11 crew members were rescued. A General Aviation Inspectorate helicopter airlifted the injured using winches to provide emergency medical assistance.
While early reports suggested two crew members had died, the Romanian Naval Authority later said that three injured sailors were evacuated by a helicopter, while only one sailor was still missing.
"Another 8 crew members, who are in good condition, were picked up by rescue vessels sent to the mission," the authority said.
The mission is ongoing, with Coast Guard vessels and a General Aviation Inspectorate helicopter carrying out specific measures, the source told the outlet.
According to reports, the attacked vessel had departed from the Ukrainian port of Izmail and was heading to Italy. Media reports said the vessel caught fire and sank.
Updated at 3:47 p.m.
Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the drone strike on the vessel. He confirmed that the drones belonged to Russia.
"A horrific strike by two Russian drones on a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Türkiye. Azerbaijani and Indian citizens were on board."
According to Zelenskyy, it is already known that the vessel's captain was killed.
"The fate of one other person is still being established. Eleven crew members were rescued, one of them injured," the president said.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine had repeatedly proposed concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and ensure security in the Black Sea. Third countries had also made corresponding proposals.
"But Russia consistently chooses terror and sinking civilian vessels instead of normal maritime navigation. Pressure is needed to restore global food security. And everyone who is genuinely interested in this must help," he said.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Russian forces had attacked a civilian cargo vessel flying the Liberian flag at one of the ports in the Odesa region. One sailor was killed and three others were injured.
In addition, on September 17, a Russian drone attacked a Tanzanian-flagged civilian vessel heading to one of Ukraine's ports.
The vessel's captain was killed in the attack, while three other crew members were injured.
