I can’t tell if you are cynical or not:)
The distress in question? The front fell off.
https://video.nostr.build/0342628c1d99bd5e4646b5bbac9d0627a0a991dd9847b5f0cdde8706179001b1.mp4
Also, these weren't Russian cargo ships. They're Russian oil tankers built for river service that were used in the open ocean due to sanctions. Sinking them is a major success of sanctions; hopefully more will sink cutting off Russia's illegal oil exports. Luckily the oil slick is moving towards Russia too.