A civilian bulk carrier flying the flag of Belize, identified as the NS PRIDE, sustained minor damage after hitting an unknown explosive device in the Black Sea near the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 31st, with no crew injuries reported. The ship was reportedly not carrying cargo at the time of the explosion.
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Key Takeaways
A Belize-flagged bulk carrier, NS PRIDE, was damaged by an explosion near Chornomorsk.
The incident occurred on August 31st.
No crew members were injured, and the ship sustained only minor damage.
The vessel was not carrying cargo at the time.
The explosive device may have been an undetonated part of a downed Russian drone or a drifting naval mine.
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Incident Details
The NS PRIDE encountered the explosive device while navigating waters near Chornomorsk, a significant Black Sea port in Ukraine’s Odesa region. Sources indicate that the ship hit an unknown explosive, causing minor damage. The crew remained unharmed, and the vessel could continue its journey after inspection.
Potential Cause of Explosion
Preliminary assessments suggest the explosion might have been caused by an undetonated part of a Russian Shahed drone that had been shot down earlier. Local media also raised the possibility that drifting naval mines caused the incident. The Black Sea is known to be contaminated with explosive remnants due to the ongoing conflict.
Ship Information and Context
The NS PRIDE, built in 1988, is a 95-meter-long bulk carrier with a carrying capacity of over 3,300 tons. The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions and ongoing Russian attacks in the region. Earlier on the same day, Odesa’s governor reported a significant drone attack by Russian forces on Chornomorsk, which resulted in power outages in parts of the region.
Sources
Belize bulk carrier damaged in blast in Black Sea near Ukraine’s Odesa, sources say, Reuters.
Belize bulk carrier damaged in blast in Black Sea near Ukraine’s Odesa, sources say, AOL.com.
Belize bulk carrier damaged in blast in Black Sea near Ukraine’s Odesa, sources say, The Straits Times.
Civilian Cargo Ship Hits Explosive Device Off Odesa, No Crew Injuries Reported — UNITED24 Media, UNITED24 Media.
Civilian ship damaged by explosion near Odesa’s Chornomorsk port, The New Voice of Ukraine.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
