Romanian search and rescue teams were actively searching the Black Sea on Saturday for three Syrian sailors reported missing after their cargo ship, the Mohammad Z, sank. The incident occurred 26 nautical miles off the coast of Sfantu Gheorghe in the Danube delta early Saturday morning, according to naval authorities.
The vessel, which was registered under the Tanzanian flag, had a crew of eleven, comprising nine Syrians and two Egyptians. The maritime distress signal was received around 4:00 am, prompting a swift response from naval authorities and border police. Two commercial ships in the vicinity also participated in the rescue efforts.
Of the crew, eight sailors were successfully rescued by one of the commercial vessels involved in the operation. However, the search continues for the remaining three crew members, all of whom are Syrian. The cause of the ship’s sinking has yet to be determined.
The Black Sea region has seen increased risks for maritime operations, especially since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. Drifting sea mines have become a significant hazard, leading to intensified demining efforts by the coastal nations.
Additionally, the strategic importance of ensuring safe maritime routes through the Black Sea has been underscored by the use of Romania’s Danube ports as critical transit points for grain shipments, particularly in light of the Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports.
