On the night of July 22, a serious incident occurred in the Black Sea involving an attack by a Russian strike drone on a commercial vessel. The target of the attack was the bulk carrier Golden Rose. As a result of the strike on the stern of the ship, a large-scale fire broke out, creating a direct threat to the lives of the crew.
Operation under extreme conditions
Operational response was provided by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS). According to the department, the bulk carrier was detected using technical surveillance equipment. As soon as the coordinates of the burning ship were fixed, Coast Guard boats were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The rescue operation took place under extremely difficult conditions. The fire engulfed a significant part of the hull, and visibility and weather conditions complicated the maneuvering of rescue vessels. Despite this, the boat crews managed to approach the burning bulk carrier closely and organize an evacuation.
Rescue results and consequences
Thanks to the coordinated actions of the border guards, all crew members were successfully evacuated and brought to shore. According to official SBGS data, none of the sailors suffered injuries or physical harm. Video recordings of the operation show the intense work of rescuers lifting people from the side of the ship engulfed in flames.
This incident is another confirmation of the high danger to shipping in the region. Against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks on maritime communications, major logistics players are beginning to review their routes. Thus, one of the world's leading container carriers, the company Maersk, announced a temporary suspension of service through the Black Sea fishing port due to increased risks.
Context: a series of attacks on merchant vessels
The attack on Golden Rose is not an isolated case. Just 24 hours prior, on July 21, 20 nautical miles off the coast of Romania, the tanker Gas Lisbon, flying the flag of Liberia, was damaged. A powerful explosion occurred on board the vessel, which, according to preliminary data, may have been the result of an attack by a sea drone.
A series of such incidents indicates the systemic nature of threats to neutral shipping in the Black Sea waters, forcing the international community and logistics companies to seek new ways to ensure the safety of maritime transport.
