Russian forces strike merchant vessel bound for Ukraine in Black Sea

Russian forces overnight on April 24 struck a merchant vessel travelling to one of the ports of Greater Odesa, according to Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

The USPA said that during transit along the Ukrainian maritime corridor, a merchant ship was hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle.

According to the agency, the vessel, sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis and en route to Odesa to load grain cargo, was hit by two drones.

A fire broke out on board but was extinguished by the crew. The ship’s navigation system was also reportedly disabled. No casualties have been reported so far.

A patrol vessel has been dispatched to escort the damaged ship.

By Aghakazim Guliyev