Russia strikes civilian ship in Black Sea port of Odesa - Ukraine

Author: Editors Desk Source: BBC News:

November 8, 2023 at 15:30

UKRAINIAN ARMY, An image from what Ukraine says was a Russian strike on a civilian ship

At least one person has been killed after a Russian missile struck a civilian ship entering the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa, Ukraine's military says.

According to the southern defence forces, the Liberian-flagged vessel was struck by an anti-radar missile.

The ship's pilot is said to have died, while three Filipino crewmembers and a port worker have been injured.

Russia has not yet commented on the incident.

Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov confirmed the incident on social media, adding that the ship was supposed to be transporting iron ore to China.

Ships entering and leaving the port of Odesa have been at risk of Russian attack since Moscow pulled out of a deal earlier this year that allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grain.

The Russian defence ministry said it regards all cargo ships in the Black Sea bound for Ukraine as potential military targets.

According to Mr Kubrakov, Wednesday's attack is the 21st targeted attack on port infrastructure since Russia withdrew from the deal.