Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that a Panama-flagged commercial ship collided with a Russian naval mine in the Black Sea, resulting in injuries to two sailors. The incident occurred on December 28, 2023, as the vessel was en route to a port on the River Danube in Ukraine.

The unnamed Panama-flagged ship was heading towards Ukraine's Danube ports when it struck the mine, causing a loss of speed and control, and igniting a fire on the upper deck, according to Ukraine's border guards. This marks the third incident involving civilian cargo ships being damaged by Russian mines, as reported by the Odesa Maritime Guard this month.

In response to such threats, Ukraine has established a maritime corridor for commercial ships, which requires them to pass near the shores of Bulgaria and Romania. This measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of vessels in the region and reducing the risk of encountering naval mines.

The incident on Thursday saw the captain of the damaged ship intentionally run it aground to prevent it from sinking. In light of the situation, Ukraine has dispatched tugs to assist in towing the vessel safely into port.

The Maritime Guard promptly responded to the scene, providing medical assistance to one of the injured sailors on-site. The other sailor was subsequently hospitalized but is reported to be in good condition.

Ukraine, in an effort to maintain control over the situation, has pushed back Russian warships in the western part of the Black Sea to establish a clear passage for cargo ships along the designated maritime corridor.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and risks involved in maritime navigation within the region. It underscores the importance of heightened vigilance and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of commercial ships operating in the Black Sea.

As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are working to address the issue of naval mines and enhance security measures to protect maritime traffic in the area.