San Marino-Flagged Ship Hit by Drones Near Russian Port; Two Sailors Injured

A bulk carrier operating under the flag of San Marino was struck by two drones near the Russian port of Novorossiysk on Friday, resulting in injuries to two Syrian sailors. The incident was reported on Saturday by the Maritime Register of San Marino.

Local media outlets, including San Marino TV and Italian newspapers, reported that the ship, carrying a 23-member international crew, was hit while in waters close to the port. The two injured Syrian sailors were taken to the hospital, but their conditions are not life-threatening. Emergency procedures were initiated onboard, and the fire that broke out was quickly extinguished. The vessel has since departed the port and is heading towards Turkey.

Novorossiysk serves as the primary base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The port has been a target for drone attacks, particularly after Russia relocated most of its fleet from occupied Crimea in 2022 due to concerns over Ukrainian missile and drone strikes. In a separate incident on Wednesday, Ukrainian drones reportedly damaged a grain terminal in Novorossiysk owned by Demetra-Holding, a major Russian grain and logistics company, causing operations to halt.