A bulker flagged in Guinea-Bissau, named MERA QUEEN, was attacked by Russian forces while transporting wheat from Ukraine, resulting in the death of one Ukrainian crew member and injuries to three others. The vessel suffered hull damage and caught fire. Fortunately, the crew was safely evacuated and received medical treatment on shore, while the ship was subsequently towed for urgent repairs to stabilize its condition.
The assault highlights the systematic and cynical nature of Russian aggression, as described by Kiper, underscoring threats to both civilian lives and global food security. The Sea Ports Authority condemned these recurrent attacks on civilian vessels and Ukraine’s port infrastructure as evidence of a calculated campaign against free navigation in the Black Sea.
In a troubling escalation, Moscow intensified its assaults on ships in Ukraine’s maritime corridor in July. Notably, on July 13, a Togolese-flagged vessel was attacked, resulting in five crew fatalities and several injuries. The following day witnessed attacks on two more civilian ships, leading to additional loss of life.
Amid this turmoil, Ukrainian authorities labeled these actions as deliberate attempts at economic and humanitarian terror coinciding with the crucial harvest season. Ukraine has urged the United Nations to intervene, calling for global condemnation of Russia’s ongoing assaults on maritime trade.
