Turkish ship attacked in Black Sea amid rising tensions

Tensions have escalated in the Black Sea following a series of attacks on commercial vessels. Three ships were struck while navigating the waters, and subsequently, a Turkish vessel was targeted the same night. Ukraine has assigned responsibility for these attacks to Russia, while Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued warnings to all parties involved. Tribeca Denizcilik Hizmetleri, an Istanbul-based company, confirmed that the Palau-flagged "James II" was attacked 80 kilometers north of Sinop, Turkey, while carrying no cargo. Two other cargo-less ships, the Sierra Leone-flagged Altura and Velora, were reportedly targeted by drones while engaged in ship-to-ship activities in a nearby area. The company stated that coast guard vessels provided support and the crews were safe. Notably, the Altura had been attacked previously on March 26. The owner of Tribeca Denizcilik Hizmetleri, Alaattin Aykaç, has previously been mentioned in exposés by organized crime leader Sedat Peker, who alleged Aykaç was involved in providing false testimony during a marina takeover. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all parties to exercise restraint.

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The company stated that coast guard vessels provided support and the crews were safe.