On August 31 local time, the Ukrainian Navy reported that the Belize-flagged cargo ship NS Pride struck an unidentified explosive near the Chernomorsk Sea Port, close to Odesa.

AIS data show that the 37-year-old vessel was traveling from Zonguldak Port to Sulina Port.

Reports indicate that the crew of NS Pride were unharmed and the ship continued its journey. Local media noted that there was no cargo on board at the time of the explosion.

The Ukrainian Navy warned that numerous explosives remain in the waters, posing unpredictable hazards. Dmytro Priedenchuk stated that despite potential accidents, efforts are ongoing to protect civilian vessels.

Chernomorsk is a large and strategically important seaport in southern Odesa, one of Ukraine’s ports connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean through three maritime transport corridors.

Earlier on Sunday, the governor of Odesa Oblast reported that Chernomorsk suffered a significant nighttime attack by Russian drones, causing power outages in some areas due to damage to energy infrastructure.