Chornomorsk, Ukraine — A civilian cargo ship was damaged on August 31 after colliding with an unidentified explosive device in the Black Sea, according to Ukraine’s Navy. The Belize-flagged vessel, known as NS PRIDE, was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident.
Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for the Navy, confirmed the details, noting that preliminary investigations suggest the explosion might have resulted from an undetonated component of a Russian Shahed drone that had been shot down previously. Local reports also speculated that drifting naval mines could have contributed to the explosion.
Despite sustaining minor damage, the NS PRIDE remains afloat and has reported no water ingress. The crew members are safe, with no injuries recorded. Pletenchuk indicated that the ship is undergoing inspections and is expected to continue its voyage under its own power.
“The sea remains contaminated with explosive remnants due to Russian actions, making it unpredictable where such devices may be located,” Pletenchuk said. He emphasized the ongoing efforts of counter-mine forces to secure the safety of civilian shipping. Without these operations, incidents like this could occur more frequently.
The NS PRIDE, built in 1988, measures 95 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a cargo capacity of over 3,300 tons. Throughout its service, the vessel has operated under various names.
The Navy reassured the public that the situation is being managed effectively and highlighted continued measures aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea.
On August 28, a separate incident saw Russian forces conduct a naval drone strike that marked the first recorded attack against a Ukrainian warship in the Danube Delta. This strike resulted in damage to the vessel, one crew member’s death, and several injuries, with search operations currently underway for missing sailors.
As tensions in the region remain high, the safety of maritime operations continues to be a significant concern, underscoring the critical nature of ongoing mine-clearing efforts in the Black Sea.