Navigation halted through Bystre Canal following vessel explosion

Late on July 23, a tragic incident occurred involving the dredger Inhulets , operated by Delta-Pilot, a branch of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA). The vessel was conducting routine operations at the Bystre Estuary in the Danube Delta with 11 crew members on board. A powerful explosion struck the vessel, resulting in the deaths of three USPA employees.

In the aftermath, Ukrainian authorities have temporarily closed the Bystre Canal to all vessel traffic. As a result, ships traveling to and from the seaports of the Danube region are being rerouted through the Sulina Canal. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.