Cargo Ship Royad Mammadov Sinks in the Black Sea Following a Drone Strike
A cargo vessel carrying Ukrainian corn sank in the Black Sea outside Romania’s territorial waters after being struck by two Russian drones, according to Romanian authorities and statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack resulted in two deaths, including the ship’s captain, and left eleven crew members rescued by Romanian emergency services.
The vessel, identified by Reuters as the cargo ship Royad Mammadov, sailed under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis and belonged to a Turkish company. It was travelling from the Ukrainian port of Izmail toward the Italian port of Ravenna with a cargo of corn when the incident unfolded.
Rescue Operations and Casualties in the Romanian Economic Zone
The strike occurred within Romania’s exclusive economic zone, roughly 20 nautical miles from the coast and near the Pescăruš gas platform operated by OMV Petrom. Romania’s Interior Ministry confirmed that the ship caught fire before sinking and released rescue footage showing the operation.
Coast guard vessels and a helicopter pulled 11 crew members from the water. Two people died in the incident, including the captain, who was an Azerbaijani citizen. The ship’s crew also included Indian nationals, according to regional reporting outlets such as Visegrád 24 citing 5channel.
Conflicting Official Claims Over the Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that two Russian drones hit the civilian ship in neutral waters, describing the event as a terrible blow to civilian navigation. He emphasized that Ukraine and third countries have repeatedly offered concrete steps to secure the Black Sea, but accused Russia of consistently choosing terror over normal shipping operations.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported strikes against cargo vessels that it alleged were carrying military cargo, though it did not issue an official comment specifically addressing the Royad Mammadov incident. Romanian authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Common Questions Regarding the Black Sea Incident
What was the Royad Mammadov carrying and where was it headed?
The vessel was transporting a cargo of corn from the Ukrainian port of Izmail to the Italian port of Ravenna when it was struck in the Black Sea.
Who owned and flagged the sunken cargo ship?
The ship sailed under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis and was owned by a Turkish company, according to official reports from regional authorities and news agencies.
How many crew members survived the drone strike?
Out of the crew members aboard—who included citizens of Azerbaijan and India—11 individuals were rescued by Romanian coast guard ships and a helicopter. Two crew members died, including the captain.
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