In an incident on the evening of March 4, Russian forces struck a civilian ship sailing under the Panamanian flag in the Black Sea, leading to several injuries among the crew members. The ship was reportedly carrying maize and was departing from the port of Chornomorsk when it was targeted by a drone strike. Authorities confirmed that the injured crew members have been provided with medical treatment and successfully evacuated from the vessel.

Oleh Kiper, the Head of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, reported details of the attack via Telegram, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident amidst ongoing hostilities in the region. He further noted that after the drone strike, additional attacks occurred in southern Odesa Oblast, resulting in a fire at a disused holiday resort. It was described that the fire affected wooden buildings and caused partial damage to a nearby four-storey structure and some vehicles.

Fortunately, Kiper updated that the fires were managed and extinguished before leading to further casualties. This incident highlights the continuing risks and impacts of military actions on civilian maritime activities in the Black Sea, raising concerns about maritime safety amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.