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Another merchant cargo vessel operating in the Black Sea has been caught in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the death of a Ukrainian seafarer.

The Mera Queen, a 5,195 DWT cargo vessel built in 2014, sails under the Guinea-Bissau flag and has an overall length of 91 meters. The vessel was reportedly operating on the Ukrainian grain corridor, preparing to load wheat for export when the attack occurred.

According to available information, the vessel was struck while sailing near the Port of Odesa during the night of August 5. The impact hit the ship’s hull, causing a fire on board. One Ukrainian seafarer lost their life, while three other crew members were injured and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

By the early hours of August 6, the crew had been safely evacuated, and the vessel was brought alongside the berth. Emergency teams and remaining personnel continued efforts to contain the fire and assess the extent of the damage.

Since the outbreak of the war, normal anchorage operations in the region have been severely disrupted. On the Ukrainian side, merchant vessels often remain close to port rather than waiting at traditional anchorage areas due to security concerns. On the Russian side of the Black Sea, ships are generally not permitted to anchor until shortly before their scheduled berthing time. These operational changes have become part of the new reality for commercial shipping in the conflict zone.

According to Ukrainian officials, this latest incident brings the reported number of seafarers killed in the Black Sea region since July to 24. Despite continued international concern over the safety of merchant shipping, the security situation remains highly volatile, with no lasting de-escalation measures ensuring safe passage for civilian vessels and their crews.

The incident serves as another reminder of the increasing risks faced by merchant seafarers operating in one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions. As attacks continue, concerns are growing within the global shipping industry over the protection of civilian crews carrying essential cargo through the Black Sea.

Two Greek-managed crude oil tankers were reportedly struck in separate drone-related incidents near Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping operating in the region. Fortunately, no injuries or pollution have been reported in either incident.

Despite ongoing international sanctions against Russia, crude oil loading operations continue at several export terminals. Some oil producers remain outside the scope of certain sanctions, allowing international tanker traffic to continue under existing regulations.

Nissos Sifnos Damaged While Loading at CPC Terminal

The first incident involved the Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Nissos Sifnos, managed by the Greek shipping company Dynacom Tankers Management.

Vessel particulars

• Built: 2020
• Length: 274 m
• Beam: 48 m
• Deadweight: 157,447 DWT
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Owner/Manager: Dynacom Tankers Management (Greece)

According to preliminary reports, the vessel was alongside the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) offshore terminal near Novorossiysk when a drone struck the ship in the vicinity of the cargo manifold during loading operations.

The resulting fire was quickly extinguished through the combined efforts of the vessel’s crew and terminal emergency teams. Authorities reported no injuries, no oil spill, and no environmental pollution.

Loading operations were subsequently suspended while the vessel underwent structural and safety inspections.

The cargo was reported to originate from Tengizchevroil, a Kazakhstan-based oil venture in which US energy company Chevron is one of the major shareholders.

Marathi Also Reportedly Targeted

A second Dynacom-managed tanker, Marathi, was reportedly involved in a separate incident approximately 6 nautical miles (around 10 km) from the CPC terminal while proceeding to load cargo.

Vessel particulars

• Built: 2018
• Length: 274 m
• Beam: 48 m
• Deadweight: 149,992 DWT
• Flag: Malta
• Owner/Manager: Dynacom Tankers Management (Greece)

Initial information indicates that the vessel sustained limited damage. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium confirmed the incident but did not provide details regarding the extent of the damage.

No injuries among the crew or pollution have been reported. The vessel’s current operational status remains under assessment.

Security Risks Continue for Commercial Shipping

The latest incidents highlight the growing security risks facing merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues along with Strait of Hormuz conflict.

Although commercial shipping remains active in the region, attacks involving drones and missiles continue to pose significant threats to civilian vessels and seafarers. In many cases, merchant crews find themselves operating in high-risk waters despite having no involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Dynacom Tankers Also Involved in Earlier Hormuz Strait Incidents

The Black Sea incidents come only weeks after Dynacom Tankers was involved in separate security incidents in the Middle East.

Two vessels managed by the Greek shipping company, Kavomaleas and Acheloos, were struck by projectiles while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.

According to Dynacom Tankers, all crew members on both vessels were safely accounted for. The master of Kavomaleas ordered the crew to evacuate after onboard fire suppression systems were activated, and Omani authorities later transferred the seafarers safely ashore. The Acheloos also sustained damage but proceeded to a safe anchorage for inspections. No pollution was reported in either incident.

Black Sea — July 19, 2026

An LPG carrier sailing toward the Ukrainian port of Reni was reportedly struck by Russian drones near Romania’s Sulina Channel on July 19, according to Romanian authorities and international reports.

The vessel, Gas Lisbon, was carrying approximately 3,800 metric tons of propane and was reportedly attacked around 20 nautical miles (37 km) from Romanian territorial waters while proceeding toward Reni, Ukraine.

Following the attack, a fire broke out onboard the vessel. The ship had 20 crew members on board at the time of the incident. Initial reports indicated that 17 crew members were in good condition, while three others sustained serious injuries.

One Filipino Seafarer Dies From His Injuries

The injured crew members were evacuated and brought ashore in Romania, where they were transferred to Tulcea County Hospital for medical treatment.

According to the hospital director, a 45-year-old Filipino seafarer later died from complications caused by severe burns, including injuries to his respiratory tract.

Two other injured crew members remain in intensive care and are reported to be in stable condition.

The incident highlights the continuing risks faced by commercial vessels and seafarers operating in and around the Black Sea, where the war in Ukraine has increasingly affected maritime trade and navigation.

Gas Lisbon: Vessel Details

• Vessel: Gas Lisbon
• Type: LPG Carrier
• Flag: Liberia
• Year Built: 2002
• DWT: 8,064 tonnes
• Previous Name: Gas Fidelity
• Registered Owner: Gas Lisbon Inc., Istanbul, Türkiye
• Cargo: Approximately 3,800 metric tons of propane
• Voyage: Alexandria, Egypt → Reni, Ukraine

The vessel reportedly changed its name from Gas Fidelity after 2024.

Fire Continued After Crew Evacuation

The fire reportedly continued for an extended period after the crew had been evacuated from the vessel.

According to reports cited by AFP, the ship remained too hot to safely board for inspection even several days after the incident, making an immediate assessment of the vessel’s damage difficult.

The full extent of the structural and cargo-related damage has yet to be established.

Growing Concerns for Black Sea Shipping

The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping operating in the Black Sea and approaches to Ukrainian ports.

For merchant seafarers, the threat is particularly serious. Unlike military personnel, commercial crews are operating vessels primarily engaged in transporting energy products, agricultural commodities and other essential cargoes.

The incident involving Gas Lisbon demonstrates how quickly a routine commercial voyage can turn into a life-threatening situation.

Bridge teams operating in high-risk areas are increasingly required to remain alert to the possibility of drone and missile attacks, even when navigating outside the immediate conflict zone.

Romanian authorities have also expressed concern over the spillover effects of the war and the increasing risks posed to shipping close to the country’s maritime borders.

A Growing Threat to Maritime Trade

The Black Sea remains an important route for regional and international trade, connecting ports in Ukraine, Romania, Türkiye and other countries with global markets.

Repeated attacks and security incidents involving commercial vessels can have consequences far beyond the individual ships involved. They can increase insurance costs, disrupt port operations, affect freight rates and discourage shipowners and seafarers from operating in high-risk areas.

The international maritime community faces increasing pressure to establish and maintain effective safety measures and reliable maritime corridors for commercial shipping.

The death of a seafarer aboard Gas Lisbon is another reminder that behind every commercial vessel are crews who face the consequences of geopolitical conflicts despite having no role in them.

Further investigations are expected to determine the precise circumstances of the attack, the extent of the vessel’s damage and the full impact on its cargo and crew.

Missile Strike on Merchant Ship Golden Leo in Odesa Claims 10 Lives

Published: July 2026

Source: MarineTraffic AIS data

Merchant Ship Hit by Missile During Cargo Operations in Odesa

A merchant vessel has reportedly been struck by a missile while conducting cargo operations at the Port of Odesa, Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 10 people, including crew members and a Ukrainian sea pilot.

The incident highlights the continuing risks faced by commercial shipping in the Black Sea despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and agreements intended to safeguard merchant vessels transporting civilian cargo.

According to initial reports, the vessel Golden Leo was alongside in Odesa when it was hit. The missile reportedly struck the accommodation block on the starboard side, triggering a major fire that rapidly spread through the superstructure.

Emergency response teams and search-and-rescue units worked throughout the night to extinguish the fire and rescue survivors.

Casualties

At the time of the attack, 17 Syrian and Indian crew members were on board together with one Ukrainian sea pilot.

Authorities reported:

• 10 fatalities, including the Ukrainian sea pilot.
• 8 survivors, who were rescued and transferred to hospitals in Odesa for medical treatment.

The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released.

Vessel Information

Merchant Shipping Continues to Face Black Sea Risks

The attack occurred despite international efforts to maintain safe navigation for merchant shipping in the Black Sea. Although agreements have been reached in recent years to facilitate the movement of commercial cargo, attacks affecting civilian vessels continue to raise serious concerns within the maritime industry.

Commercial ships entering Ukrainian ports transport essential commodities that support global trade and food security. These vessels are civilian assets and are crewed by professional seafarers whose primary mission is the safe transportation of cargo.

Growing Safety Concerns for Seafarers

The latest tragedy once again demonstrates the increasing dangers faced by merchant seafarers operating in conflict zones.

Over the past few years, shipping companies and crews have encountered elevated security risks in several regions, including the Black Sea, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. These routes remain critical to international trade but have become increasingly hazardous due to military conflicts and attacks on commercial vessels.

For thousands of seafarers, working at sea now involves risks that extend far beyond storms and mechanical failures. Many crews spend months away from their families while ensuring that global supply chains continue to operate.

Maritime organizations and industry stakeholders continue to call for stronger measures to protect civilian shipping and to ensure that merchant vessels can operate safely in conflict-affected regions.

18 July 2026

A merchant vessel operating in Ukraine has reportedly been caught up in the ongoing conflict after an alleged drone or missile strike damaged the bulk carrier MV INASE while the ship was alongside at Port of Pivdennyi (Odessa region), Ukraine.

At the time of writing, the exact nature of the weapon involved has not been officially confirmed, and authorities have yet to release a formal statement regarding the incident.

What Happened?

According to reports from a seafarer familiar with the incident, MV INASE was allegedly struck while berthed at the Port of Pivdennyi on 18 July 2026. The impact reportedly damaged the vessel’s accommodation block on B Deck, highlighting once again the growing risks faced by merchant ships operating in conflict zones.

Initial information indicates that the vessel’s entire crew of 22 Filipino seafarers was on board during the incident.

Reported Crew Casualties

Preliminary and unconfirmed reports state that two Filipino crew members sustained injuries:

• Able Seaman (AB): Reportedly suffered a head injury.
• Second Officer: Reportedly sustained an injury to one hand.

As of publication, the names of the injured seafarers and the severity of their injuries have not been officially released. Maritime authorities and the vessel’s management company have not yet issued an official statement.

Vessel Information

MV INASE

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
• Built: 2008
• Flag: Antigua & Barbuda
• Length Overall: 169 metres
• Deadweight (DWT): 28,450 tonnes
• Cargo Configuration: 5 cargo holds / 4 deck cranes
• Last Reported Port: Sulina, Romania

The vessel is a geared bulk carrier commonly employed in transporting dry bulk commodities such as grain, coal, steel products, fertilizers, and other general bulk cargoes.

Growing Risks for Merchant Shipping

This latest reported incident serves as another reminder that commercial shipping continues to face significant risks while operating in or near conflict areas. Although merchant vessels are civilian assets, they remain vulnerable to collateral damage during military operations.

For seafarers, these events highlight the dangers of maintaining global trade under increasingly challenging conditions. Even while carrying essential cargoes, crews may find themselves exposed to threats beyond their control.

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