Russia attacks third cargo vessel off coast of Ukraine's Odesa

A civilian cargo vessel flying the Panamanian flag and en route to the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk was damaged in an attack off the coast of Ukraine’s Odesa Region on the morning of May 18. 

The Odesa Regional Administration said the vessel caught fire after being hit, but crew members managed to extinguish the blaze without outside assistance, Caliber.Az reports. 

No injuries were reported, and the ship later continued its voyage toward port.

The incident follows a series of reported attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea region. Earlier on the evening of May 17, Russian drones reportedly targeted two additional civilian vessels flying the flags of Guinea-Bissau and the Marshall Islands.

Separately, the Ukrainian Navy said another strike involved a vessel carrying Chinese nationals, raising further concerns over the safety of international maritime traffic near Ukraine’s ports.

By Sabina Mammadli