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The affected vessel was a 37-year-old cargo ship flagged by Belize, named the NS Pride. It was en route to the Romanian port of Sulina on August 28. No crew members were injured, and while the ship sustained minor damage, it is likely to continue moving without assistance.
Various reports suggest the explosion may have been caused either by a previously undetonated part of a downed Russian attack drone or a drifting mine. Ukraine’s navy spokesperson, Dmytro Pletenchuk, noted that dangerous explosives are present in the Black Sea due to Russian aggression and emphasized efforts to protect civilian shipping.
Additionally, Russia has used Iranian-designed Shahed explosive drones extensively since the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These drones have caused injuries and damaged energy infrastructure around Odesa, as well as homes and administrative buildings.
