A ship carrying cement under the Togo flag fell victim to an explosion near the port of Sulina in Romania in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Ministry of Transport confirmed this tragic incident, reporting that the explosion occurred in the engine room of the 90-meter-long vessel. Fortunately, all 12 crew members were promptly rescued and evacuated to the hospital to receive necessary medical care.
The Danube Delta, where the river flows into the Black Sea, has become a crucial crossroads for ships wishing to reach Ukraine or depart from it. It has become a vital riverine alternative for the transit of export goods from Ukraine, especially cereals, as well as the import of consumer goods. The complex geopolitical situation in the region has heightened the strategic importance of this waterway.
The explosion on board this Togo-flagged vessel raises many questions. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of this incident. Speculation is rife about the possibility of mines or other explosive devices being involved, but it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. The results of the investigation will be essential in understanding the circumstances surrounding this explosion.
This situation once again highlights the risks faced by seafarers and underscores the need for international cooperation to ensure the safety and protection of crews navigating in high-risk areas.
