Turkish-owned merchant ships attacked in the Black Sea

On August 3, 2026, two Turkish-owned merchant vessels, the Ro-Ro cargo ship Nadezhda and the cargo ship Yasar, were struck by drone attacks in the Black Sea shortly after departing the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The Nadezhda, which was heading toward Samsun, Turkey, caught fire following the impact approximately 37 kilometers from the coast. Three Turkish crew members sustained serious injuries, and reports on the total number of evacuated personnel vary between 22 and 23 individuals, who were transported to Novorossiysk with the assistance of the Russian Navy.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incidents, stating that the safety of its citizens is a top priority. While the ministry did not identify the perpetrators, media reports citing the captain of the Nadezhda attributed the attack to Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels. Ankara expressed deep concern over the escalation of the conflict, warning that such strikes on civilian vessels threaten maritime security and global food supply chains.

This event highlights the intensifying hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, where both sides have increasingly targeted naval and port infrastructure. The Turkish government has called on all involved parties to take immediate measures to ensure safe navigation, emphasizing that further escalation could lead to severe regional and global consequences.