---
title: "Grain prices: Death toll after strike on Golden Leo vessel off Odessa rises to 10"
description: "The death toll after the Russian strike on the Golden Leo vessel off Odessa has risen to 10. On board were citizens of Syria and India, as well as a Ukrainian pilot. The attack occurred as the vessel was departing with a cargo of corn. 🚢🔥🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-20T07:14:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/death-toll-after-strike-on-golden-leo-vessel-off-odesse-rises-to-10
tags: [golden-leo, odesa, russia, ukraine, shipping]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Grain prices: Death toll after strike on Golden Leo vessel off Odessa rises to 10

![Burning grain carrier Golden Leo in the Black Sea after attack, smoke and water from firefighting efforts](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/20/chislo-pogibshih-posle-udara-po-sudnu-golden-leo-u-odesse-vyroslo-do-10/chislo-pogibshih-posle-udara-po-sudnu-golden-leo-u-odesse-vyroslo-do-10-1.webp)

The situation in the Black Sea remains tense. The number of fatalities following a Russian strike on a civilian merchant vessel near Odessa has risen to 10. The deadly consequences of the attack continue to mount, despite the heroic efforts of rescue services.

### Details of the tragedy

RBC-Ukraine, citing the Administration of Maritime Ports of Ukraine (AMPU), confirmed the devastating losses. Russian forces struck a bulk carrier flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau. The vessel was underway, leaving a Ukrainian port after being loaded with a grain crop — corn.

There were 17 people on board the stricken ship. The crew consisted of citizens of Syria and India. Along with the sailors, a pilot from the 'Delta-Pilot' branch, which is part of the state-owned AMPU, was on board. It is the pilots who ensure the safe exit of vessels from port waters, and their presence on board underscores the civilian nature of the mission.

### Fighting the fire

Rescue operations continued throughout the night. The fire on the vessel was contained, but the price of victory proved too high. Despite the flames being brought under control, not all crew members could be saved. Ten people died as a result of the attack.

This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, on July 19, Russia attacked this very bulk carrier — the vessel named GOLDEN LEO — with three cruise missiles. The attack occurred while the ship was carrying a cargo of grain. Even earlier, on July 17, the Russian army struck another vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, which was standing directly in the port of Odessa, with missiles. At that time, four crew members were injured, and a fire also broke out on the vessel.