Cargo vessel hits mine in Ukraine's alternative grain export route in Black Sea

MOSCOW

A Panama-flagged cargo vessel hit a mine in Ukraine's alternative grain export corridor in the Black Sea, the press service of Ukraine's southern group of forces said on Thursday.

"In the Black Sea, a civilian vessel flying the flag of Panama hit a naval mine. The bulk carrier was heading to one of the Danube ports for grain loading," the press service said on Telegram.

After the vessel hit the mine, it lost control and a fire broke out. Two sailors were injured in the incident. Tugs have been sent to the bulk carrier to tow it to the port.

In August, Kyiv announced the launch of the so-called alternative route for grain exports in the Black Sea. It works through ports located at the mouth of the Danube River.

On July 17, Russia refused to further extend the Black Sea grain deal signed in July 2022 in Istanbul by Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine, saying that the Russian part of the agreement had not been implemented. It sought the loosening of banking restrictions and the ability to ship its fertilizer before returning to the agreement.