Romania Blames Russia for Ship Attack Leaving 1 Dead and 3 Missing

Romania is conducting a search and rescue mission after another small cargo ship was attacked in the Black Sea. At the same time, Romania officials reversed earlier calls for investigations and directly blamed Russia for the latest incidents, while the EU and NATO also vowed to increase their support.

The Comoros-flagged OBO carrier (Oil-Bulk-Ore carrier) Khoryv (3,280 dwt) issued a distress call on Friday morning, October 23, while it was approximately 13 nautical miles east of Constanta, Romania. The ship was built in 1983 and is 119 meters (390 feet) in length with a crew of 13 aboard.

The vessel is listed as being Greek-owned and was sailing from Turkey to the Salina Canal in Romania, which provides access to the Danube. Reports highlight that Ukraine is again relying on this route for shipping after Russia attacks in the Black Sea.

Romania’s Interior Ministry said it was informed the vessel had suffered major damage and a fire after a drone strike. The ship later capsized. Another merchant vessel in the area was able to recover nine of the seafarers and the body of one additional person. The crew is reported to consist of 10 Ukrainians and three from Azerbaijan.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →