On 3 October Russia attacked a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in an Odesa-region port: one person was killed, three crew members were injured and 13 were evacuated.
On Saturday, 3 October, Russia struck a civilian cargo ship flying the Liberian flag in a port in the Odesa region. According to Ukraine's Sea Ports Authority, a motorman was killed and three other crew members were injured. Volunteers Support Ukraine summarises what is known about the attack.
Rescuers and port security arrived immediately to secure the vessel and assess the damage. The three injured received emergency medical care, and 13 sailors were evacuated to safety.
The Sea Ports Authority called the strike another deliberate attack on civilian shipping and said Russia "continues to terrorise the peaceful merchant fleet." According to the Kyiv Independent, Russia has stepped up attacks on merchant vessels and port infrastructure since June 2026, while international partners urge it to stop and to allow grain exports.
Attacks on ships in port endanger civilian seafarers and undermine the safety of the maritime corridors Ukraine uses to export its goods.
Volunteers Support Ukraine continues to help people affected by the war as far as its resources allow, and offers condolences to the family of the deceased.
