Renewed security concerns are hitting commercial shipping in the Black Sea after two merchant vessels were hit by drone strikes within hours of each other.
The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Anna S came under attack from five aerial drones on August 17, about 20 nautical miles off Novorossiysk, maritime security firm Vanguard Tech said. The strikes sparked a fire and caused extensive damage to the vessel, which was left badly burned, reports said.
All 21 crew members abandoned ship and were rescued safely by the bulk carrier Elina B, flying the Malta flag. However, the rescue vessel itself was attacked some five hours later, when it was struck by two aerial drones. Elina B had been damaged, but remained operational.
The incidents highlight the growing threat to commercial shipping in the Black Sea, which has seen a surge in attacks involving Russia and Ukraine in recent weeks.
The Anna S was on its way to Novorossiysk to pick up grain when it was attacked. The incident is also raising concern about the security of grain shipments from the region, as both Russia and Ukraine continue to be major exporters of wheat, corn and other agricultural commodities.
Separately, the Russian Ministry of Defense said on August 18 it struck a dry cargo ship southeast of Odesa, asserting the vessel was carrying military supplies for Ukraine. The ministry later said two dry cargo ships carrying military cargo had been targeted and released drone footage of an attack on a vessel’s superstructure.
This escalation comes as commercial shipping continues to operate in an increasingly difficult environment in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Beyond the immediate risks to vessels and crews, further disruption could also affect global agricultural supply chains and put strain on grain markets.
Ukraine proposed a temporary truce in the Black Sea recently that would allow wheat, corn and other agricultural exports from Russia and Ukraine to move. Russia brushed off the offer.
The worsening security situation is already impacting the outlook for Ukrainian grain exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s post in Kyiv on Friday reduced its forecast for Ukraine’s corn exports in 2026/27 to 14 million tons from an official forecast of 23 million tons. Wheat export forecast also cut to 10.8 million tons from 14.5 million tons.
The latest attacks add further uncertainty for shipowners, charterers and cargo interests relying on Black Sea routes, especially in light of ships continuing to serve one of the world’s most important agricultural export regions.
