Ukraine says cargo ship hit mine in Black Sea

Ukrainian officials say a Panama-flagged cargo ship "hit a Russian mine" in the Black Sea, injuring the captain and a sailor.

"The ship lost direction and control after hitting a mine in the Black Sea on the morning of December 27. A fire also broke out on the deck," the Southern Military Command of Ukraine announced on Telegram on December 28.

The captain deliberately ran the ship aground to prevent it from sinking and Ukraine sent tugs to pull the cargo ship into port.

A Panama-flagged cargo ship hit a mine in the Black Sea on December 27. Photo: Ukrainian Border Guard

The ship was en route to one of the Danube River ports to load grain. The captain and an Egyptian sailor were injured in the incident, according to the head of the prosecutor's office in Ukraine's Odessa region. The sailor was hospitalized in the city of Izmail for treatment.

Ukrainian officials did not release the name of the ship, but Maritime Bulletin , a website that tracks the shipping industry, said the Greek-owned ship, the Vyssos, hit a mine while en route to the port of Izmail.

Russia has not yet responded to Ukraine's accusations.

The Black Sea is an important area for the transport of grain, oil and oil products. The countries bordering the Black Sea include Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Türkiye, Russia and Ukraine.

After Russia launched its operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow and Kiev accused each other of laying mines in the Black Sea to blockade the area. The Romanian, Bulgarian and Turkish militaries had to send forces to clear mines drifting into their waters.

Dabune River Duck. Graphics: RYV

The latest incident comes as Ukraine accuses Russia of increasing attacks on its transport and port infrastructure.

Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure since mid-July, after pulling out of a UN-brokered deal that allowed safe transport of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. Kiev has since established an alternative route, along the western coast of the Black Sea. Ukraine accuses Russian forces of repeatedly dropping explosive devices in the vicinity.

Huyen Le (According to AFP , Reuters )

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