Turkish authorities have called on both Russia and Ukraine to take action to protect commercial shipping in the Black Sea, following a drone attack on two civilian vessels late Monday, according to Reuters.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it is concerned about the continued targeting of civilian ships in the region, Reuters reports. Earlier on Tuesday, Turkish authorities confirmed that a drone strike hit two vessels, with several crew members reportedly injured, as reported by AFP.
Ships Had Left Russian Port
According to AFP, the two vessels involved in the incident were the Yasar and the Nadezhda. Tracking data from MarineTraffic shows the ships fly the Panamanian and Cameroonian flags respectively, though AFP reports both are owned by Turkish companies.
AFP also notes that the vessels were struck after departing from a Russian port. As of now, it remains unclear who carried out the attack, and no group or state has been officially identified as responsible.
Does This Matter to You?
Incidents involving drone strikes on commercial vessels in the Black Sea highlight the ongoing risks tied to operating in or near the conflict zone. Vessels calling at Russian ports, or transiting nearby waters, may face elevated security and insurance considerations as a result of such attacks.
The source material does not specify further operational guidance, cargo details, or the extent of damage to the vessels, so the broader implications for shipping schedules, insurance costs, or regional traffic remain unclear at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Reuters, AFP (via ShippingWatch)
