A serious incident occurred on Monday night in the Black Sea, when the Greek-owned bulk carrier **“ANNA S,” sailing under the Liberian flag, was struck by a projectile while approximately 20 nautical miles off Novorossiysk.

The vessel, which according to information available so far is owned by Neptune Tradebulk Inc., was essentially destroyed by a fire that broke out following the explosion.

It is not yet known, however, whether the ship has begun sinking or whether it remains afloat. At the time it was hit, the “ANNA S” was empty and was heading toward Novorossiysk to load grain.

The bulk carrier had 21 crew members on board — 20 Filipino sailors and the Romanian captain. They all abandoned the vessel and were rescued by another commercial ship operating in the area, the “Elina B,” which had 20 crew members on board.

According to information from protothema.gr, approximately five hours later, the vessel that had rescued the 21 sailors from the “ANNA S” was also hit. Despite sustaining damage, the “Elina B” continued sailing at approximately 9.5 knots toward a port in Turkey.

The incident is increasing concerns about the safety of commercial shipping around Novorossiysk, one of Russia’s most important hubs for grain and energy exports.

Of particular significance is the fact that the Greek-owned “ANNA S” was not carrying any cargo and was on a purely commercial voyage to take on grain. This once again highlights the danger faced by commercial vessels and their crews as military operations expand into the maritime zones and approaches to Black Sea ports.