A missile and drone attack caused the death of an Egyptian crew member aboard the vessel Victress in the special maritime corridor of the Black Sea, according to the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), the ship’s flag state.
Through the General Directorate of Merchant Marine (DGMM), the AMP reported that, according to available preliminary reports, due to the spread of the fire caused by the aerial units, the remaining eight sailors abandoned the ship on a life raft with subsequent evacuation to the port point of Vylkove (Ukraine).
In light of these events, the Panama Maritime Authority stated that it activated the corresponding protocols to gather official information on what happened and maintains communication with the involved parties and competent authorities, in order to verify the details of the incident and ascertain the status of the affected personnel.
“Panama, as a responsible Flag State, deeply regrets the loss of human life and expresses its condolences to the families of the deceased crew member,” stated the AMP.
Likewise, the Panamanian maritime authority recommended that all vessels under its flag take the necessary safety measures when transiting in or near conflict zones and, if possible, avoid transiting through the waters of said zones.
“The AMP reiterates its commitment to the safety of human life at sea, the protection of international navigation, and compliance with applicable international maritime instruments,” the entity stated.
