A Tanzania-flagged vessel bound for a Ukrainian port was struck by a Russian UAV on September 17, killing the captain and injuring three crew members.
In a statement issued on September 17, the Ministry for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine said the vessel was attacked while sailing towards one of Ukraine’s ports.
“Russia continues to attack civilian shipping in the Black Sea. On September 17, while en route to one of Ukraine’s ports, a Tanzania-flagged vessel was attacked by a Russian UAV,” the statement read in part.
According to the ministry, the strike resulted in the death of the vessel’s captain, while three other crew members sustained injuries.
It further stated that information on the condition of the vessel was still being clarified following the attack.
Ukraine Raises Concern Over Russia Attacks On Civilian Shipping
The ministry said the reported attack was part of what it described as continued Russian attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea.
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It said Russia was systematically attacking Ukrainian ports, port infrastructure and civilian merchant vessels, warning that such attacks posed a threat to people and international shipping in the Black Sea.
The ministry also expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the captain who was killed in the strike.
It wished the three injured crew members a speedy recovery as officials continued to assess information about their condition and the vessel.
“As a result of the strike, the vessel’s captain was killed, while three other crew members were injured. Officials the clarifying information about the vessel’s condition. We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We wish those injured a speedy recovery.”
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Call for International Response
The Ukrainian ministry called for an appropriate response from the international community over the reported attacks.
It also called for further coordinated action to strengthen the protection of civilian shipping and improve the security of international logistics routes.
“We expect an appropriate response from the international community and further coordinated action to strengthen the protection of civilian shipping and the security of international logistics routes.”
The ministry said the measures were necessary to protect civilian maritime traffic and international shipping operating in the Black Sea.
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