Royad Mammadov Sinks in the Black Sea After Fire Leaves Two Dead
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The vessel Royad Mammadov caught fire and ultimately sank in the Black Sea, outside Romania's territorial waters but within its exclusive economic zone. Two crew members died in the incident and another 11 were rescued. Both Romanian authorities and various preliminary reports suggest the vessel may have been struck by a drone attack, although that cause has not been officially confirmed.
A Cargo Ship Bound for Italy
The Royad Mammadov was sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis and was of Turkish origin and ownership. It was carrying Ukrainian grain bound for the port of Ravenna, Italy, and according to VesselFinder.com, its last port of call had been Izmail, Ukraine.
The Fire and the Sinking
The fire broke out on board and, according to Romania's Naval Authority, triggered the emergency that led to the vessel's sinking, which occurred hours after the crew's evacuation was completed. The captain was injured and had to be airlifted for treatment. The incident took place near an oil platform operated by the Romanian energy company OMV Petrom.
Conflicting Accounts of the Cause
Romania's Ministry of Interior and the Naval Authority confirmed the fire and the sinking but did not publicly identify the cause or those responsible. Ukraine's president, however, attributed the incident to two Russian drones. Romania, a NATO member with a 614-kilometer land border with Ukraine, has recorded Russian drone incursions into its airspace and drifting mines in the Black Sea along key commercial and energy routes since the start of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
