On May 18, the cargo ship MOHAMMED Z (Tanzanian flag), owned by a Turkish shipowner, sank approximately 25 miles off the coast of Sfantu Gheorghe, a port located in northeastern Romania near the border with Ukraine.
Out of the 11 crew members, 8 were rescued by the nearby cargo ship MICHAEL (Comorian flag), which was part of the rescue operation coordinated by Romanian authorities. Despite ongoing search efforts, the remaining 3 crew members, all Syrians, are still missing.
Initially, the possibility of a collision with a drifting mine was considered, as this threat persists in the Black Sea region. Since the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war, drifting mines have posed a constant hazard, prompting neighboring countries to intensify their demining efforts.
On the morning of May 19, upon arriving at the port of Varna, the cargo ship MICHAEL underwent an inspection which revealed hull deformations on its bow. The captain confirmed that an accident with the MOHAMMED Z had occurred, which may ultimately have led to the sinking of the latter vessel.
By focusing on these maritime incidents, we can better understand the risks faced by cargo ships navigating through volatile regions. The situation highlights the importance of vigilance and the continuous need for maritime safety measures.
