Two Dead after Cargo Ship Sinks in Black Sea Following Fire
Two crew members died after the cargo ship Royad Mammadov caught fire and sank in the Black Sea off Romania on October 5, raising fresh concerns over maritime safety, commercial shipping, and vessel security in a strategically important shipping corridor. Ukraine blamed a Russian drone attack for the incident, while Romanian authorities had not immediately identified the cause.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said two Russian drones struck the vessel, which was carrying Azerbaijani and Indian crew members. The incident highlights the growing maritime security risks facing commercial vessels operating near the Black Sea conflict zone, where attacks can disrupt international shipping, cargo transportation, and grain exports.
The Royad Mammadov sank inside Romania’s exclusive economic zone, approximately 30 nautical miles south of Sfantu Gheorghe, according to Romania’s Interior Ministry. Romanian media reported that the vessel was carrying grain from Ukraine to Italy.
Eleven crew members were rescued after the incident, while three injured crew members were evacuated by helicopter, a Romanian Naval Authority spokeswoman told AFP. Coast Guard officers were alerted to the fire at around 11 a.m., triggering a rescue operation involving Coast Guard vessels and a helicopter.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bucharest, Özgür Kıvanç Altan, confirmed that a Turkish company held a stake in the vessel. He said the ship was not Turkish-flagged and that there were no Turkish citizens among its crew.
Altan described the incident as “sad and concerning” and said Türkiye supported security, stability, and safe navigation in the Black Sea. He added that the Turkish embassy and Türkiye’s consulate in Constanta were maintaining close contact with Romanian border police and thanked Romanian authorities for their swift rescue operation.
The sinking comes as diplomatic efforts continue to strengthen commercial shipping safety in the Black Sea. Türkiye has called for a ceasefire aimed at preventing attacks on merchant vessels and protecting maritime trade.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on October 4 that New Delhi was holding discussions with both Russia and Ukraine on shipping safety, grain exports, energy exports, and possible agreements to refrain from attacking commercial vessels.
Jaishankar said India had become increasingly involved in efforts to help end the war in recent months, moving beyond calls for negotiations toward direct discussions with both sides. The latest vessel sinking adds further urgency to international efforts to protect merchant shipping and maintain safe navigation in the Black Sea.
