Russia strikes merchant ships in Black Sea, killing captain
Photo: Merchant vessel attacked by Russia in the Black Sea on July 14 (t.me/odeskaODA)
Russia cynically attacked two merchant vessels in the Black Sea on the afternoon of July 14, leaving casualties, according to Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper.
Russia strikes merchant ships again
The enemy continues to strike civilian vessels operating in the Black Sea, Kiper said.
"The aggressor's latest targets were two merchant ships sailing through the maritime corridor under the flags of Tanzania and Liberia. The captain of one of the vessels was killed in the attack," the official said.
The crew of 11 sailors was evacuated ashore, and three of them were injured, Kiper added.
What the Ministry for Development says
Ukraine's Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories said that Russia has now spent five consecutive days terrorizing the port infrastructure of Greater Odesa and civilian shipping.
"Day and night, the enemy is launching ballistic missile and drone attacks, deliberately targeting ports, civilian vessels, and the people who keep the maritime industry operating," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, a fire broke out aboard the vessel struck by Russia, and firefighting efforts are ongoing.
"Since the beginning of this latest wave of Russian attacks, nine people have already been killed," the statement said.
The ministry called on the international community to respond decisively and protect freedom of navigation.
Updated at 8:43 p.m.
Kiper later reported another Russian strike on port infrastructure in the Odesa region.
.jpg)
Photo: Merchant vessel attacked by Russia (t.me/odeskaODA)
"During the attack, an enemy drone struck a civilian vessel flying the Marshall Islands flag, damaging the ship's superstructure. A fire broke out on board. Unfortunately, two people were killed in the attack," he said.
As previously reported, on July 13, the death toll and the number of people injured in Russia's strike on a merchant vessel docked at a port in the Odesa region increased to five killed and 12 wounded.
Earlier, on June 19, Russian drones attacked two civilian vessels in the Black Sea. One crew member aboard a ship flying the Panamanian flag was killed, while two others were injured.
