Zelensky condemns 'horrific' Russian strike on boat carrying corn in Black Sea

On October 5, a cargo ship caught fire in the Black Sea off Romania's coast after being struck by Russian drones, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to at least 11 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a civilian ship, owned by Turkey and carrying corn, was targeted. The ship's captain perished in the attack, while Ukrainian authorities reported that the victims were from Azerbaijan and India.

The vessel, sailing 20 nautical miles off Romania's coast, was part of Romania's exclusive economic zone and was approximately 9 nautical miles southeast of the OMV Petrom offshore oil platform.

Romania's Interior Ministry stated that 11 crew members were rescued, and injured survivors were evacuated for emergency medical treatment. The fire's cause remains unconfirmed. This incident marks the latest in a series of Russian attacks that have crippled civilian and commercial shipping in the Black Sea, disrupting Ukraine's maritime corridor opened in 2023 following Russia's withdrawal from the U.N.-backed grain deal.

The International Maritime Organization has warned that the ongoing war poses a serious threat to the safety of crews and vessels operating in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.