A Ukrainian dredging vessel sank late on July 23 after an explosion in the Bystre estuary of the Danube Delta, killing three crew members and injuring several others.

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) confirmed the incident and reported that the vessel was carrying out routine work at the time of the blast. There were 11 people on board the dredger, which belonged to the Delta-Lotsman branch of the USPA.

According to official information, three crew members died in the explosion. The others were taken to hospital and are currently receiving medical treatment.

While the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, Ukrainian media reports suggest that the vessel likely struck a naval mine. The blast occurred near Vilkovo, a town located along the Danube in the delta region of Odesa.

The vessel has been identified by Ukrainian news outlet Dumskaya as the Ingulskiy, a dredger built by Damen and in service with the USPA since 2012.

The ship measured 60 meters (197 feet) in length and was capable of operating at depths of up to 15 meters (about 50 feet). Following the explosion, the vessel sank in the channel.

The USPA issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and assured full support to both the families of those who died and those injured. Emergency services are currently working at the scene, and more details will be shared once the investigation is complete.

As a safety measure, the Bystre estuary’s maritime access channel has been temporarily closed to all vessel traffic. Ships headed to and from seaports in the Danube region are now being redirected through the Sulina Channel, which lies to the south and is controlled by Romania.

The Bystre channel was reopened by Ukraine in July 2022 after the liberation of Zmiiniy (Snake) Island from Russian control. It had been restored as a key navigation route between the Danube and the Black Sea, especially for commercial shipping. It allowed passage for vessels with a maximum draft of 4.5 meters (approximately 15 feet).

The Danube’s seaports have played an essential role for Ukraine since the Russian invasion, offering a critical route for exports and imports. Although traffic on the Danube declined after the reopening of ports in the Odesa region, it continues to be a vital waterway for both Ukraine and neighboring Romania.

References: ukrinform, militarnyi

Source: www.marineinsight.com