Ankara says two Turkish-owned civilian vessels were attacked after leaving Russia’s Novorossiysk port, injuring crew members and raising concerns over Black Sea shipping security.
Ankara, Türkiye – Web Desk: Türkiye has condemned a drone attack on two Turkish-owned civilian ships in the Black Sea, saying several crew members were injured and warning that the worsening security situation threatens commercial navigation and global food supplies.
In a statement on Tuesday, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said the vessels were attacked after departing Russia’s Novorossiysk port late Monday. The ministry said several crew members were wounded and that Turkish authorities were closely monitoring their condition.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, which is affecting civilian shipping despite our numerous warnings,” the ministry said.
The ministry urged all parties to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, warning that continued disruption to commercial shipping could have broader consequences for international food supplies.
According to maritime tracking service MarineTraffic, the vessels identified as Yasar and Nadezhda sail under the Panamanian and Cameroonian flags, respectively, but are owned by Turkish companies.
The incident comes amid an increase in attacks on cargo vessels linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides have intensified strikes targeting maritime assets in recent weeks, raising concerns over the safety of civilian shipping routes.
Türkiye has repeatedly voiced alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea. In late June, a Turkish fishing vessel was attacked near the Crimean coast, leaving one crew member dead and four others injured.
Earlier, at the end of May, Ankara warned of an “uncontrolled escalation” after a drone attack targeted a Turkish cargo ship. At the time, the Ukrainian navy said the vessel had been struck by a Russian drone.
Türkiye has continued to call for measures to safeguard civilian maritime traffic and reduce the risks posed to international trade and food exports through the Black Sea corridor.
