Following the SSU investigation, a former commander of a guard ship from Odesa received a suspicion notice. As a result of negligence, the official failed to respond to a number of violations of the Delfi tanker in the territorial waters of Ukraine. The tanker run aground near the Odesa beach causing water pollution with leaking oil products.

According to the investigation, on November 16, 2019, a serviceman served as captain of a naval ship. The vessel was on combat duty in the Black Sea near the Odesa seaport, conducting maritime border control in the territorial waters of Ukraine.

The inspection of the Delfi tanker revealed a number of violations of vessel’s condition, including:

• malfunction of main engines;
• anchor loss;
• unstable communication systems;
• less than the minimum crewing;
• lack of sufficient fuel and provisions.

Despite the violations, the captain failed to detain the ship and escort it to the nearest port, as required by the instructions.

The former commander received a suspicion notice of negligent attitude to military service. Investigative actions are underway to prosecute all involved individuals and compensate state losses.

To remind, on November 22, 2019, in the water area of the Pivdennyi port the Delfi tanker dragged anchor in strong storm, and drifting ran aground near the Odesa beach. Damage of the tanker resulted in a leak of oil products.

The polluted beach was closed posing a serious health risk for people.  

According to experts, the marine pollution caused UAH 400,000 (USD 15, 065) state losses.  

The operation was carried out by investigators of the National Police in Odesa region, the SSU Office in Odesa region under the supervision of the Primorskyi District Prosecutor's Office of Odesa.