A serious maritime incident has been reported in the Sea of ​​Azov, where a civilian bulk carrier capsized and sank under unclear circumstances. Kherson Oblast Governor Volodymyr Saldo officially announced the tragedy, confirming the death of one person in the incident. According to operational reports, the vessel was carrying a crew that was forced to abandon ship in adverse weather conditions. Nine sailors have so far managed to reach shore on their own or with the help of rescuers. All those rescued are receiving necessary medical and psychological care; their lives are out of danger, although some are in moderate condition due to hypothermia.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the fate of two other crew members remains unknown. Regional rescue services have launched a large-scale search operation in the area of ​​the wreck, using boats and aircraft, but the search is hampered by adverse weather conditions and low water temperatures. Vladimir Saldo emphasized that authorities are doing everything possible to locate the missing, coordinating efforts in close collaboration with marine rescue centers. Experts are working on-site to determine the exact cause of the bulk carrier's sinking. Possible causes include a technical malfunction, cargo shift, or navigational error during the stormy weather typical for this time of year in the Sea of ​​Azov.