Russian forces hit Odesa port on the evening of July 17. A missile struck a ship flying the Marshall Islands flag. Fire broke out. Four of the 17 crew members were injured.
The next day, July 18, Russian missiles hit the port again, this time striking a cargo ship registered under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, killing one person and injuring three, Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper confirmed. Buildings, storage facilities, and fuel reservoirs at the port were also damaged.
Emergency crews responded. Russian forces then launched a second strike aimed at rescue equipment. Crews had taken shelter, which Kiper said prevented further casualties.
Maritime Executive reported at least four seafarers killed across the two-day strikes. Kyiv Post confirmed that both ships carried foreign flags.
Odesa is Ukraine's main Black Sea port. It has been struck repeatedly since Russia's full invasion began in 2022.
Russia Hits Two Foreign Ships at Odesa in 24 Hours, Killing Seafarers
Interest over time · Odesa Port, UkraineWho's watching
- RO47%
- US21%
- GB18%
- RU8%
- UA3%
- TR3%
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