The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported the operation, according to Ukrinform.
According to preliminary information, the drone struck the vessel's stern, triggering a major fire. The burning bulk carrier was detected using technical surveillance systems, after which State Border Guard Service patrol boats were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The rescue operation was conducted under extremely challenging conditions, at night and amid the constant threat of additional Russian drone and missile attacks. Despite the danger, the crews of the patrol boats managed to come alongside the burning vessel and safely evacuate everyone on board.
The maritime units rescued all 16 crew members, including two Syrian nationals and 14 Egyptian nationals.
According to the Border Guard Service, all rescued sailors were brought safely ashore, where they underwent medical examinations. None of the crew members sustained injuries.
Read also: Unmanned systems strike 13 more vessels of Russia's shadow fleet in Black and Azov Seas
As previously reported by Ukrinform, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel near Odesa killed 10 people, including a pilot employed by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.
Photo: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
