Marine Search and Rescue Service
The Marine Search and Rescue Service is a Ukrainian state institution under the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, responsible for search-and-rescue support of shipping on Ukraine's inland waterways and at sea. Its duties include conducting emergency rescue operations, responding to oil spills, towing damaged vessels, and coordinating assistance in maritime emergencies. The service operates rescue tugboats, support vessels and specialised equipment, with its main unit based in Odesa.
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Russian drones damage civilian rescue tugboat Sapfir in Odesa Oblast port
Russian drones struck a port in Odesa Oblast on 13 September 2026, damaging the civilian search-and-rescue tugboat Sapfir. Ukraine's Ministry of Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport said no casualties were reported and called the strike a gross violation of international humanitarian and maritime law, announcing it would notify the International Maritime Organization and international partners.