Environmentalists have addressed the question of whether the sea has been polluted following the sinking of a ship near Odesa

Following the sinking of the foreign bulk carrier "GOLDEN LEO" off the coast of Odesa as a result of a Russian attack, the environmental inspection agency surveyed the area. No signs of marine pollution from petroleum products have been detected so far.

This was reported by the State Environmental Inspectorate of the Southwestern District.

According to the inspection, the "GOLDEN LEO," which was flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, sank near the "Langeron" offshore platform as a result of a Russian airstrike. Immediately after news of the sinking broke, reports emerged of an oil slick on the sea surface.

The Inspectorate immediately responded to the report and coordinated with the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority,” the State Border Guard Service, and the Ukrainian Scientific Center for Marine Ecology.

As of 1:30 p.m. on July 27, no signs of marine oil pollution were detected in the area of the sinking. According to preliminary data, the slick on the water was caused not by fuel but by corn husks from the cargo of the sunken vessel.

Environmentalists warn that even if there is no leak immediately after the sinking, the risk persists. Fuel or other technical fluids may seep into the water later—due to damage to the hull, inclement weather, or the gradual deterioration of the vessel underwater.

Therefore, the inspection agency continues to monitor the water area in coordination with relevant agencies and promises to report on any changes in the situation.

On July 19, a vessel carrying a cargo of corn was struck by three Russian Kh-59/Kh-69 missiles as it was leaving the port of Odesa.

Due to the damage, the dry cargo ship became unseaworthy and sank on July 26, approximately five nautical miles off the coast. Ten people were killed in the attack, including a Ukrainian pilot.

Ірина Глухова