Turkish cargo vessel collides with mine in the Black Sea

A Turkish-flagged cargo ship struck a sea mine in the Black Sea off the coast of Romania, but the crew remained safe and the damage was minor. The incident occurred near the entrance to the Sulina Channel, with the ship anchoring briefly to assess the damage before resuming sailing. The ship’s operator, Kafkametler Maritime, has not yet commented on the incident. This is one of the first incidents in several months where a ship has struck a sea mine in the area, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by floating mines.
The incident comes after Russia withdrew from a UN-backed agreement in July, which allowed Ukraine to transport grain through a secure shipping channel. The British government has warned that Russia could potentially use sea mines to attack civilian shipping in the Black Sea, including near Ukrainian ports. Maritime security company Ambrey had recently informed its customers about the likelihood of Russia using additional sea mines to hinder Ukraine’s grain exports. This incident further highlights the risks present in the Black Sea region.

In conclusion, a Turkish cargo ship struck a sea mine in the Black Sea near Romania, causing minor damage. The crew is safe, and the ship has resumed sailing after assessing the damage. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of floating mines in the Black Sea, which is classified as a high-risk area by insurers. It also comes amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with concerns that Russia may use sea mines to disrupt civilian shipping in the region.

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