On the night of June 22, Russia launched drone attacks on civilian merchant ships heading for Ukrainian ports.

Axar.az reports, citing RBC Ukraine, that a fire broke out on the Turkish-owned vessel VICTRESS, according to the Ukrainian Navy and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.

The dry cargo ship was sailing under the Panamanian flag, although Turkiye owns it.

After a drone struck the vessel, a fire broke out on board, and the ship sustained significant damage.

The Ukrainian Navy began rescuing the ship’s crew, but one person did not survive.

"Unfortunately, a crew member, a 58-year-old cook, was killed. We express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The other eight sailors were evacuated on a life raft," the USPA said.

Civilian vessels flying the flags of Palau and Belize were also damaged as a result of the Russian attack. There were no casualties, and the vessels continued on their way.