Panamanian ship strikes Russian mine in Black Sea, ignites fire and injures sailors
The vessel sustained damage in the aftermath of a mine detonation in the Black Sea, according to a report by the Polish Press Agency. On Thursday, the South Ukraine Defense Forces reported that the ship was destined to load grain at one of the Ukrainian ports along the Danube.
10:44 AM EST, December 28, 2023
"An explosion occurred on a civilian ship flying the Panamanian flag in the Black Sea after hitting an enemy (Russian - PAP) sea mine. The bulk carrier was headed to load grain at one of the ports on the Danube in Ukraine," read a statement by PAP on Telegram. The explosion led to a ship malfunction, and a fire started on the upper deck. To prevent sinking, the ship's captain grounded the bulk carrier promptly.
Reuters reveals that two crew members sustained injuries in the accident. One of the injured sailors was transported to the hospital, while the other received medical treatment on board. The Ukrainian military declared that tugs and a rescue team were dispatched to the location.
As per Reuters, there has been a steep increase in Moscow's attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure since mid-July. Around this time, Russia discontinued the agreement, sanctioned by the United Nations, permitting safe grain transportation across the Black Sea. The Ukrainian government has introduced an alternative route encompassing the western coast of the Black Sea. It has been reported by Reuters that Russian forces have, on numerous occasions, dropped explosive loads close to Kyiv.
