The Black Sea is a critical region for agricultural traders and oil traders alike. Ukraine and Russia together account for more than a quarter of the global trade in wheat and about a fifth of corn. That trade was thrown into chaos after Ukraine’s ports closed in the wake of Russia’s invasion.
With Russia invasion merchant ships were damaged in the conflict. On Friday 25th February the 2020 built Japanese 229 metre bulker NAMURA QUEEN was hit by Russian missile while she was anchored at Yuzhnyy Anchorage while she was waiting to load grain. Superstructure was hit, inflicting serious damages. 2 or more crew were injured, there was fire, which reportedly, was extinguished
She left anchorage at 1953 hrs UTC bound to Besiktas Shipyard for repairs of which she spent 17 hours at Yalova Anchorage .
Also same day the 1974 built Moldovan chemical tanker MILLENIAL SPIRIT was shelled by Russian warships in the Black Sea while she was carrying 600 tons of diesel oil and was transiting through the Black Sea. She was shelled 12 miles south of the Ukrainian port of Yuzhnyy. The ship had a crew of twelve who were predominantly Russian; two were injured and the other ten were forced to abandon ship in lifejackets. All twelve crew were rescued by Ukrainian authorities.
Also the 2019 built Turkish-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged (MHL) bulk carrier YASA JUPITER was hit by a rocket off the coast of Odessa at the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 while in ballast condition. No casualties among the 19 crew members have been reported and the Ultramax vessel transited to Romanian territorial waters.
Any vessel in Ukraine waters needs to leave immediately, broadcasting clearly on AIS and making their intentions known.
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli otherwise stated. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Wednesday 2nd March, 2022.
