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[INTERNATIONAL] · Ukraine, Russia, Antigua & Barbuda, Türkiye · 7 sources

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Odesa commercial vessel hit by Russian strike, killing captain

A commercial vessel flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was struck by Russian forces in the Black Sea near the port of Odesa. The attack resulted in the death of the vessel's Ukrainian captain, though the rest of the crew was successfully evacuated following a fire on the ship.

Odesa regional military administration head Oleg Kiper reported that the strikes also targeted civilian infrastructure, causing fires in warehouses containing food, medicines, and household goods. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its forces targeted logistics centers and a warehouse for drone components, claiming the cargo ship was transporting military materials to Odesa.

The incident occurred during a broader wave of Russian drone attacks. Ukrainian defense forces reported intercepting or neutralizing 119 out of 161 drones launched during the night of September 23.

According to the Turkish Chamber of Shipping (Imeak), at least 226 civilian and commercial vessels have been hit in the Black Sea since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described attacks on commercial shipping in the region as ‘unacceptable’ and has proposed a protocol to end such strikes.

Entities

Antigua and Barbuda · Imeak · Odesa · Oleg Kiper · Russian Ministry of Defense · Turkish Chamber of Shipping

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