The GOLDEN LEO Sank Near Odessa

• 27.07.2026, 7:00

He was attacked by Russians.

The dry cargo ship GOLDEN LEO, which was damaged on July 19 as a result of a Russian missile strike near Odesa, has sunk. This was reported by the Ukrainian Maritime Administration.

According to the agency, the attack caused serious damage to the vessel’s hull and superstructure, causing it to lose seaworthiness and subsequently sink. At the time of the sinking, there were no crew members on board.

The Ukrainian Maritime Administration specified that the vessel GOLDEN LEO (IMO 9181833) was flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau and was carrying corn. The attack occurred as the vessel was leaving the port of Chernomorsk via the maritime corridor.

“By attacking merchant ships, Russia is grossly violating the norms of international maritime law and the principles of freedom of navigation, posing a direct threat to the lives of seafarers, and jeopardizing the stability of international maritime transport and global food security,” the ministry stated.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, on July 19, Russian forces struck the vessel with three X-59/X-69 cruise missiles. At the time of the attack, the GOLDEN LEO was leaving the combat zone with a cargo of grain. The vessel is owned by Turkey.

The missile struck the area of the superstructure on the starboard side, after which a fire broke out on board.

Earlier reports indicated that 10 people were killed in the attack, including a Ukrainian pilot.