This incident marks the fifth attack on merchant vessels in the Black Sea within a month, a sharp contrast to the previous year which saw no assaults. The Shui Spirit, a 24-year-old ship operated by Portugal's Nortada Shipmanagement, was the latest vessel targeted, with the attack occurring just four days after two other strikes in Ukrainian waters.
In light of these developments, maritime security specialist Ambrey has urged vessels in the Black Sea to conduct thorough threat assessments and advised crew members to remain within the ship’s superstructure during aerial assaults on port facilities.
Additionally, Ukraine announced the confiscation of a dry bulk vessel, the USKO MFU, which was accused of exporting agricultural products from Crimea. This Cameroon-flagged general cargo ship, detained since July for its repeated voyages to Sevastopol for grain exports, has been valued at $600,000. The Azerbaijani captain has also been detained and may face imprisonment.