A major fire broke out aboard a cargo vessel in the Black Sea following a Russian drone strike, killing at least one crew member, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba. The incident occurred early this morning on June 22, 2026.
Victim Identified, Eight Crew Members Rescued
Kuleba confirmed on Telegram that the stricken vessel was flying the Panamanian flag and that the fatality was a 58-year-old Egyptian cook. Eight crew members were rescued, he said.
Vessel Rendered Inoperable
The Ukrainian Navy reported ‘losses’ aboard the cargo ship Victress, which was carrying a nine-person crew composed of nationals from Egypt, Turkey, and India. The vessel is no longer seaworthy and cannot continue its voyage.