(SOCHI, RUSSIA) – New video footage has confirmed that the Russian oil service and platform supply vessel Nefrit sustained catastrophic damage in a Ukrainian marine drone strike at the port of Sochi, with the ship nearly split in two.
The footage, released on 4th September, shows the targeted vessel had already been hit and severely damaged before a second drone was intercepted by Russian port defences.
The video captures the initial drone approaching the vessel slowly before accelerating into its attack run. Russian forces attempted to intercept the drone, with several splashes visible as defensive fire missed the manoeuvring craft. The first drone was intercepted before reaching the target, described as a complete fluke by observers.
Screenshots from the footage show the Nefrit has been almost completely split in two by the strike. The white wall of the dock is visible through the middle of the ship where part of the vessel is supposed to be. The vessel remains held together by the underwater portion of the hull.
Large holes have been blown in either side of the ship. Orange gas can be seen leaking from near the bridge area.
The Nefrit is an oil service and platform supply vessel built in 2004. It has a weight of 3,660 tons. The vessel was designed to service Russia’s oil and gas platforms, transporting supplies, equipment and personnel. It features an open rear deck for carrying heavy machinery and a crane for loading and unloading.
The drone strike hit approximately behind the bridge and in front of the large service crane. The drone penetrated the hull and detonated, destroying the entire side of the ship on both the port and starboard sides.
There is no dry dock at Sochi port. The vessel in its current condition would require dry dock facilities for repairs. The nearest dry dock is located at Novorossiysk harbour. Any rescue vessel attempting to transport the damaged ship would be vulnerable to further Ukrainian marine drone attacks.
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