The incident involved a Liberian-flagged ship shortly after it departed from the Pivdenny port in Ukraine on Thursday.
A Ukrainian government source suggested the ship might have encountered a drifting sea mine. The merchant vessel was en route to the Romanian port of Constanta on Friday following the incident.
In August, Ukraine established a "humanitarian corridor" for ships heading to African and Asian markets. This initiative was a response to effectively circumvent the Black Sea blockade following Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal in July. According to Ukrainian authorities, 151 vessels have utilized this corridor to date.
Ukraine, recognized as one of the top global grain exporters, has raised concerns over Russia's attacks on its port infrastructure and the laying of sea mines, which pose significant risks to maritime activities.
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Source: Reuters, PAP