On the night of July 19, a complex search and rescue operation concluded in the Black Sea, requiring maximum concentration and professionalism from Ukrainian border guards. Amidst complete darkness and under the threat of repeated attacks by Russian drones, the crew of a State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) patrol boat evacuated the last survivor from the vessel "Venturo" from the open sea.
Lonely Drift in the Open Sea
The rescue story began on the evening of July 18, when border guards, using technical surveillance means, detected a small watercraft in the Black Sea. It was a lifeboat drifting in the open sea. On board was one person — an electromechanic of a bulk carrier, a citizen of the Philippines.
The vessel "Venturo" had come under attack on the evening of July 17, falling victim to a strike by a Russian attack drone. On that same day, servicemen of the Ukrainian Navy managed to evacuate the main part of the crew. However, one sailor remained in the lifeboat and spent more than a day at sea before being discovered by the border guards.
Operation Under Risk
The rescue mission took place under extreme conditions. Night darkness complicated navigation and search efforts, while the main threat came from the possibility of repeated strikes by remotely piloted drones. Despite the high level of danger, the personnel of the Maritime Guard did not retreat and completed the assigned task.
The rescuers picked up the lifeboat and brought the sailor aboard the patrol boat. After arriving at a safe location and conducting an examination, it was determined that the victim's condition was satisfactory, and medical assistance was not required.
Context of Attacks on Merchant Fleet
The incident with "Venturo" became part of a series of attacks on shipping in the region. On the evening of July 17, Russian forces struck a vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands in the port of Odesa. The next day, July 18, the Odesa region was subjected to a massive attack, during which another foreign merchant vessel was hit in the Black Sea.
The rescue of the Filipino sailor became a significant result of the work of Ukrainian services under the conditions of the ongoing military conflict, demonstrating the ability to act effectively even under high threat from the enemy.
