March 5 (Reuters) - A Russian drone damaged a civilian Panama-flagged vessel that was transporting corn near the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in the Black Sea Odesa region, the Ukrainian Sea Ports
Russian drone strikes foreign cargo ship near Ukraine Black Sea port
Incident Overview and Impact on Maritime Trade
Details of the Drone Attack
March 5 (Reuters) - A Russian drone damaged a civilian Panama-flagged vessel that was transporting corn near the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in the Black Sea Odesa region, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority said late on Wednesday.
The vessel was hit while en route out of the port, the ports authority said on the Telegram messaging app, without specifying the extent of the damage to the ship.
Crew and Vessel Response
The Ukrainian navy said one crew member had been hurt in the attack on the "BULL" vessel, which had left the port and was heading towards the Bosphorus Strait.
The captain refused assistance and evacuation of the injured person and continued on its designated route, the statement, posted on social media, added.
Significance of Odesa Port Hub
Ukraine ships about 90% of its exports via the Odesa port hub.
Russian Attacks on Maritime Export Routes
Russia in recent months has been attacking Ukraine's maritime export arteries, including ports, which are crucial for its foreign trade and the survival of its wartime economy.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
The attacks on port infrastructure - causing a jump in logistics and freight costs - have hurt local businesses, forcing them to lower their prices to remain competitive on the global market.
(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Sonali Paul and Philippa Fletcher)
