Four seafarers reported dead in Russian missile attack on Odesa

On the evening of March 11, 2025, the Russian Federation responded negatively to peace negotiations by launching a ballistic missile strike on the Port of Odesa.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack occurred at approximately 20:17, impacting the intersection of berths 34 and 35. As a result of this devastating incident, four crew members on board the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MJ Pinar lost their lives, and one sailor, along with a pilot service employee, was injured.

Preliminary reports indicate that MJ Pinar had arrived from Algeria carrying 30,000 tons of wheat and was in the process of loading cargo at the time of the attack. Officials state that the four deceased crew members were likely three Syrian nationals and one Ukrainian. The vessel had a total of 12 crew members on board, and the loss of these lives has reverberated throughout the international community.

The strike is alleged to have been carried out using Russia’s Iskander-M ballistic missile, equipped with a cluster warhead. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (AMPU) confirmed that MJ Pinar sustained severe damage, while port infrastructure was also significantly affected. The quay wall, a grain gallery within the terminal, and at least four grain silos were all damaged. Search and rescue teams, along with firefighting units, arrived on-site immediately, successfully containing the resulting fire.

MJ Pinar was reportedly built in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 19,972 and a deadweight of 30,465 tons. The vessel operates under the call sign 8PV02 and MMSI number 314818000. Initially, news of the incident was posted on Facebook by AMPU but later removed. As Ukrainian officials continue their investigation, international organizations and civil society groups strongly condemn Russia’s attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Experts say assault violates maritime law and threatens commercial shipping in the Black Sea, undermining peace efforts.

Source: SeaNews