Romanian authorities report a complex rescue operation in the Black Sea that resulted in the rescue of 11 sailors from a Turkish cargo ship. This ship, which was carrying grain, sank following an attack, and two bodies of its crew have also been found.
Details of the Incident
The Romanian Maritime Search and Rescue Administration (ARSVOM) identified the ship as Royad Mammadov, built in 2006 and owned by Turkey. This ship, with a capacity of 6,933 tons, sent a distress signal at 10:37 AM Romanian time on October 5. Of the 13 crew members on board, Turkish and Azerbaijani nationalities have been reported.
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Romanian officials stated that the ship was located in their exclusive economic zone, about 20 miles offshore and near oil rigs. While details regarding the attack have not been released, Ukraine claims that the ship was targeted by two drones. Images released by ARSVOM show burn marks on one side of the ship and the vessel leaning backward.
Impacts and Consequences
Ukrainian reports indicate that this ship was carrying corn loaded from the port of Izmail and was heading towards Italy when it was attacked. In this attack, it has been reported that the ship's captain was killed and another sailor is missing, while three others have been injured. Romanian authorities announced that the two crew members who lost their lives have been identified, but no further details were provided.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that the country has strongly criticized attacks on commercial ships and port infrastructure, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of these attacks. The ministry noted that the country has raised this issue multiple times in international forums, including at the United Nations General Assembly. It also emphasized that between 20 to 30 percent of global commercial grains and wheat pass through this corridor, and the ports in this region manage 50 percent of the world's sunflower oil exports.
Turkey has also repeatedly attempted to establish a ceasefire regarding attacks on commercial ships and has expressed its objections to the attacks on its citizens working on these vessels.
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