A cargo vessel transporting pipes from Ukraine to Varna, Bulgaria, was struck during a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odesa, according to Maritime.bg.
The ship, identified as the Golden Lion, which sails under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, sustained damage, and two crew members were injured in the assault.
The vessel was reportedly hit during a targeted attack on critical infrastructure, likely involving a Russian ‘Iskander‘ quasi-ballistic missile.
The Golden Lion is part of a logistics operation supplying pipes from Ukraine to Bulgaria under a U.S. contract. The pipes, shipped to the Port of Varna, are then reloaded for further transportation to the United States.
Missile Attack on Odesa Port
The missile attack on Odesa is the latest in a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports since the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2023.
The Golden Lion was docked at Odesa when the missile struck, causing significant damage to the vessel and injuring two sailors.
The exact condition of the injured crew members has not been disclosed, but they were reported to have been treated at a local medical facility.
Initial reports suggest the attack was carried out using an ‘Iskander’ missile, a type of quasi-ballistic missile frequently used by Russia to target Ukrainian infrastructure.
The Iskander is known for its precision and ability to evade interception, making it a potent tool in Russia’s military arsenal.
While Odesa’s port infrastructure was the primary target, the missile struck the vessel, likely because of its proximity to key logistics points.
Logistics Chain Disrupted
The Golden Lion was among the vessels involved in the transportation of pipes from Ukraine to the Port of Varna, where the cargo is offloaded and prepared for further shipment to the U.S.
The pipes are part of a supply contract between Ukraine and the United States. The Latvian-owned vessel is managed by a Ukrainian firm, highlighting the international nature of the shipping operations caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.
Although the extent of the damage to the Golden Lion is still being assessed, the incident is expected to cause further delays in the supply chain, adding to the mounting challenges posed by the war.
The Port of Odesa, a critical node for Ukraine’s exports, has been subjected to repeated attacks in recent months, exacerbating global supply chain disruptions and causing a ripple effect in industries dependent on Ukrainian goods.
Escalation of Maritime Risks
The missile strike underscores the growing risks facing maritime operations in the Black Sea, particularly for vessels involved in commercial transport.
Since Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal, Ukrainian ports have faced heightened threats from missile attacks, leading to increased concerns among shipping companies and insurers about the safety of their crews and cargo.
The Latvian-based owner of the Golden Lion and the Ukrainian management company have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident.
However, maritime security experts warn that the continued targeting of vessels in the Black Sea region could severely impact shipping routes, further isolating Ukraine’s export capabilities.
As the war continues, international shipping companies operating in and around Ukrainian waters are on high alert, as the region becomes increasingly perilous for commercial vessels.
The attack on the Golden Lion marks another significant blow to global maritime trade amid the ongoing conflict.