The number of victims from a Russian missile attack on a merchant vessel near Odesa has reached ten.

Ukrainian air defense units reported that cruise missiles struck the Guinea-Bissau registered ship on Sunday, triggering a blaze aboard.

Rescue teams worked through the night. By Monday, port authorities confirmed nine sailors and one pilot had perished.

The Odesa region has faced repeated bombardment in recent weeks.

Governor Oleh Kiper informed Ukrainian broadcasters that 28 individuals lost their lives to Russian strikes in the area during July.

Assaults on commercial vessels in the Black Sea have grown more frequent.

The strike on the Golden Leo proved the most lethal incident of this type so far.

Foreign flagged ships with international crews keep Ukraine's remaining sea export route open by moving goods along the Romanian and Bulgarian shores toward Turkey.

Maritime shipments represent more than two thirds of Ukrainian farm exports, valued at approximately nine billion dollars, providing vital income for the government.

Naval operations in the Black Sea remained largely unchanged for most of the four and a half years since the full scale invasion began.

Ukraine's unmanned systems restricted Russian naval movements to bases farther east, while Ukrainian vessels stayed close to Odesa.

Moscow appears to be intensifying strikes on cargo carriers to discourage international buyers from using the corridor.

Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi announced on Sunday that new measures are being prepared to improve navigation safety and shield civilian ships and crews.

Odesa continues to attract Ukrainian holidaymakers despite ongoing attacks.

Governor Kiper noted earlier that air raid shelters now exist at 40 public beaches, yet he cautioned that coastal areas carry extra risk due to possible sea launched drones and missiles.

Ukraine has also increased pressure on Russian positions. Drone forces commander Robert Brovdi stated that 183 vessels were hit in July, though independent confirmation remains unavailable.

Kyiv additionally targeted logistics sites and an oil facility near Moscow. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported roughly 400 drones directed at the capital region, with most intercepted, though ten residents sustained injuries.