The “NADHEZNA,” a Ro-Ro type cargo ship flying the Turkish flag and transporting fruits and vegetables from Turkey to Russia in the Black Sea waters, was subjected to a drone attack. As a result of the attack, a fire broke out on the ship’s deck, and there are casualties.
According to information provided by sea-news.az citing the IHA agency and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey, the maritime transport vehicle heading from the port of Samsun to Russia’s Novorossiysk was hit approximately 20-30 nautical miles off the coast of Novorossiysk.
According to the ship’s captain, Yalchin Shahin, six to seven drones were used during the strike. A preliminary inspection indicates that the ship’s accommodation blocks and bow section were severely damaged, and the fire that broke out on the deck is ongoing.
Out of a total of 22 crew members on board (13 of whom are Turkish citizens), four were injured. The Turkish Ministry of Transport statement notes that the condition of three of the injured may be serious.
Despite ongoing drone activity and the risk of repeat attacks in the area, the maritime rescue forces of the Russian Navy intervened promptly and safely evacuated all 22 sailors from the Ro-Ro ship to the Novorossiysk sea port.
Currently, due to high security risks in the waters, towing the burning ship and conducting full-scale marine rescue operations have been temporarily hindered. A comprehensive investigation into the incident is being conducted by the relevant maritime and foreign affairs authorities.
