Russia attacks merchant vessels en route to Ukrainian ports: Egyptian sailor killed

On the night of June 22, Russia attacked civilian merchant vessels heading to Ukrainian ports with drones, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) and the Ukrainian Navy report.

As a result of a drone strike, a large fire broke out aboard the bulk carrier VICTRESS (owned by a Turkish company and sailing under the Panamanian flag). The vessel sustained significant damage. There were nine crew members on board, including citizens of Egypt, Türkiye, and India.

The attack killed a 58-year-old cook. The remaining crew members were evacuated.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, due to the challenging situation and the risk of further fire spread, Navy boat crews carried out a rescue operation and evacuated the sailors from the damaged vessel.

“Ukrainian Navy boat crews successfully conducted a rescue operation to evacuate the crew of the bulk carrier. Unfortunately, there were casualties among them,” the Navy said in a statement.

Civilian vessels sailing under the flags of Palau and Belize were also damaged in the attack. No crew members aboard those vessels were injured, and both ships continued their voyage as planned.