Belize-Flagged Bulk Carrier Damaged by Explosion Near Odesa

A civilian bulk carrier, the NS Pride flying the flag of Belize, sustained minor damage after striking an unidentified explosive device near the Ukrainian seaport of Chornomorsk in the Black Sea. The vessel was not carrying cargo at the time and the crew was unharmed, with the ship continuing its voyage afterward. Chornomorsk is a strategically important port in Ukraine's Odesa region, part of a maritime corridor linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. The incident occurred amid ongoing Russian attacks in the region, including a significant drone strike on Chornomorsk that caused power outages by targeting energy facilities. Ukrainian officials noted that numerous explosive objects remain in the sea due to Russian military actions, complicating maritime safety. The local Ukrainian Navy is inspecting the ship and continues efforts to manage maritime threats in the area.