Drone attack on Turkish cargo ship in Black Sea injures four crew members

A Turkish-flagged cargo vessel sustained damage and injuries to four crew members after being targeted by drones in the Black Sea. The incident occurred on Monday, approximately 30 nautical miles from the Russian port of Novorossiysk, where the ship was headed.

The Ro-Ro cargo ship NADHEZNA was transporting fruit and vegetables from Samsun, Turkey, when it was attacked. Captain Yalçın Şahin reported that six or seven drones targeted the vessel, causing a fire onboard. While all crew members survived, three Turkish nationals were among the four injured sailors.

Efforts to extinguish the blaze were initiated by the crew. Russian naval vessels were reportedly unable to reach the ship immediately due to ongoing drone activity in the area. This attack highlights the increasing dangers faced by commercial shipping caught in the escalating maritime conflict linked to the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine has been intensifying strikes on vessels supporting Russian military or energy logistics, while Russia has also targeted commercial shipping, disrupting vital exports like grain.

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six or seven drones targeted the vessel, triggering a fire on board.