Bulk Carrier ANNA S Hit by Missile Near Novorossiysk, Rescue Ship Elina B Also Struck

A Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier ANNA S was hit by a missile approximately 20 nautical miles off Novorossiysk, Russia, on Monday night 17 August while sailing empty toward the port to load grain. The blast caused extensive damage and sparked a fire aboard the vessel. Its 21 crew members — 20 Filipinos and a Romanian captain abandoned ship and were rescued by the merchant vessel Elina B. The incident took another turn about five hours later, when Elina B was also struck by a missile. Despite the attack, the vessel remained underway sailing toward a port in Turkey. The condition of ANNA S remains unclear. The attacks highlight the continuing risks to commercial shipping operating in the Black Sea.