Overview
- A Panama-flagged tanker waiting to load vegetable oil for the port of Chornomorsk was struck by a drone, leaving one crew member injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.
- Regional chief Oleh Kiper said the tanker was hit in the superstructure in the waiting area, and emergency responders assisted while the injured sailor received treatment.
- A San Marino-flagged dry cargo ship departing the waiting area with a cargo of maize was also attacked, with a fire quickly contained and no casualties reported as the vessel continued its voyage.
- Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities and Territorial Development said the incidents show a pattern of deliberate strikes on civilian vessels, international trade and maritime safety.
- Officials report a sharp rise in port attacks from 36 in 2024 to 96 in 2025, with 325 port facilities damaged last year and recent ship strikes influencing routing decisions and war-risk insurance uptake.