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Russia attacked SAR tug
On Sep 13, 2026, the 'Sapfir' was damaged in one of the ports in the Odesa region as a result of an attack by Russian UAVs. No one was injured, but the wheelhouse and superstructure suffered significant damages. The vessel was clearly marked in accordance with the requirements of international maritime conventions. The strike was directed at a civilian SAR vessel, which performed exclusively civilian functions, which was yet another gross violation by Russia of the norms of international humanitarian and maritime law, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport. Civilian vessels, port infrastructure and rescue services could not be legitimate military targets. The systematic strikes posed a direct threat to the lives of seafarers, rescue workers and port staff, as well as to the safety of international shipping. Ukraine documented all circumstances and evidence of the crime and informed the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and international partners, demanding an appropriate response. Report with photos: https://censor.net/en/p4023196
Russian naval officers charged with abusing Ukrainian rescue vessel crew
Two officers of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have been formally charged for the cruel treatment of the crew of the 'Sapfir', which was captured near Snake Island during a humanitarian mission. According to the Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office on July 9, 2025, the incident took place on Feb 26, 2022. The unarmed civilian vessel was evacuating the wounded and deceased from the area around Snake Island when it was intercepted by Russian warships. On board were 17 crew members and four civilians: a medic, an electrician, and two priests. All those on board were detained and subjected to inhumane conditions. They were denied food, water, and medical care. Investigators reported that the captives were physically abused and threatened with execution while being held aboard the Russian reconnaissance ship 'Ekvator' and the tug 'Shakhter', which had been repurposed for military use. The Ukrainian citizens were later unlawfully transported to temporarily occupied Crimea, where they remained in captivity until their release in a prisoner exchange. The 'Sapfir' was eventually returned to Ukraine. Efforts were ongoing to locate and bring the suspects to justice.
Russia acts as pirates
The 'Sapfir' was captured by the Russians at Zmeiniy island on Feb 26, 2022. The communication to the ship was lost. It was deployed in unspecified mission in the island's waters. The ship’s position and status as well as the crew's fate were presently unknown.
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