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Ukraine blames Russian drone strike after grain vessel sinks in Black Sea

Romania reported two dead and 11 rescued after a cargo ship caught fire off its coast.

Updated Oct 5, 2026 · 22:15 UTC5 reports

The short version

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said two Russian drones attacked a Turkish-owned vessel transporting corn in neutral waters.[BBC News · Associated Press]
  • Romania stated that the cargo ship Royad Mammadov caught fire and sank roughly 30 nautical miles south of Sfantu Gheorghe.[BBC News]
  • Eleven crew members from Azerbaijan and India were saved, while Romanian authorities confirmed two fatalities aboard the vessel.[BBC News · Associated Press]
  • Romanian officials have not confirmed the reported drone attack and stated the fire's cause remains unidentified.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Key facts

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated a Turkish-owned vessel transporting corn was attacked by Russian drones in neutral waters.[BBC News · Associated Press]
  • Romania reported mounting a rescue operation following a fire aboard the cargo ship Royad Mammadov, which sank about 30 nautical miles south of Sfantu Gheorghe.[BBC News]
  • Eleven crew members with Azerbaijani and Indian citizenship were rescued from the vessel.[BBC News · Associated Press]
  • Romanian authorities confirmed two individuals died in the incident.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The cause of the shipboard fire has not been officially identified by Romania's interior ministry.[ABC News · Associated Press]
  • Zelensky stated that the ship's captain died and another sailor was missing, whereas Romania reported two fatalities without confirming the strike.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.