Video: Bulk Carrier Catches Fire After Russian Drone Strike, All 16 Crew Rescued

A Russian drone hit the bulk carrier Golden Rose in the Black Sea during the night of July 21-22, setting part of the vessel on fire before Ukrainian border guards rescued all 16 crew members, Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service said.

The attack is the latest incident involving a commercial vessel in the Black Sea, where security risks remain high amid the war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to the State Border Guard Service, the drone struck the stern of the Golden Rose, causing a large fire.

The burning vessel was spotted using technical surveillance systems, and Maritime Guard rescue boats were immediately sent to the scene.

The rescue took place overnight under what Ukrainian authorities described as difficult conditions, with crews operating while facing the risk of further Russian drone and missile attacks.

У ніч проти 22 липня військовослужбовці Морської охорони ДПСУ евакуювали в Чорному морі екіпаж балкера «Golden Rose», який зазнав удару ворожого безпілотника.

Врятовано 16 членів екіпажу – громадян Сирії та Єгипту. Жоден із моряків не зазнав травм чи інших ушкоджень. pic.twitter.com/o6vSOxLZSQ

— Державна прикордонна служба України (@DPSU_ua) July 22, 2026

Despite the conditions, the Maritime Guard reached the vessel and safely evacuated all 16 crew members.

The rescued sailors included two Syrian nationals and 14 Egyptian nationals. They were taken ashore for medical examinations, and authorities said none of them were injured.

The State Border Guard Service said its Maritime Guard, which is part of Ukraine’s Defence Forces, continues to carry out border protection, navigation safety and search-and-rescue operations in the Black Sea despite ongoing threats from Russian forces.

The incident comes a day after another reported attack involving commercial shipping in the region.

On July 21, the Liberia-flagged tanker Gas Lisbon was struck about 20 nautical miles off Romania’s coast. An explosion occurred on board, and the vessel is believed to have been attacked by a naval drone.

Separately, Maersk recently announced it was temporarily suspending operations through Chornomorsk Fishing Port due to intensified Russian attacks.

References: newsukraine, DPSU