Russia attacked civilian rescue vessels in the Black Sea

The vessels were under special protection of international humanitarian law — Article 27 of the Second Geneva Convention expressly prohibits attacks on search and rescue vessels.

On June 6, Russia attacked two boats of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service of Ukraine. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba.

The boats were performing a humanitarian mission within the Ukrainian maritime corridor. There are victims, the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out evacuation.

Small coastal search and rescue vessels have special protection in accordance with international humanitarian law. In particular, Article 27 of the Second Geneva Convention of 1949 expressly provides for the protection of vessels used exclusively for search and rescue operations and providing assistance to people at sea.

The Ukrainian Navy called the attack another proof of Russia’s deliberate disregard for the norms of international law and a direct threat to the safe functioning of humanitarian sea corridors in the Black Sea.

The day before, a Russian drone struck the Kernel terminal in the port of Chornomorsk for the second time in a month.