**Turkish Cargo Ship Hit in Suspected Ukrainian Drone Attack Near Russian Port**
A Turkish-operated cargo ship, the Nadezhda, was reportedly struck by drones in an apparent attack attributed to Ukraine while navigating off the coast of Novorossiysk, a key Russian Black Sea port, late on Monday. The incident has raised concerns regarding maritime safety in the region amid ongoing tensions.
According to Türkiye’s Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGM), the Nadezhda, which flies the Cameroon flag, was en route from Novorossiysk to the Turkish port of Samsun at the time of the attack. The ship sustained significant damage, particularly to its bow and living quarters, prompting an immediate response from Russian maritime authorities.
Following the drone strike, Russian vessels were dispatched to evacuate the crew of 22, which included 13 Turkish nationals. Reports indicate that three individuals aboard the Nadezhda suffered injuries as a result of the attack. The DGM has not officially confirmed the identity of the attackers; however, the ship's captain, Yalcin Sahin, suggested that the vessel was targeted by six or seven Ukrainian drones.
The Nadezhda was reportedly transporting fruit and vegetables from Türkiye to Russia when it was struck. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian military actions that have increasingly involved targeting civilian vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, as well as tankers operating off the Turkish coastline.
The attack on the Nadezhda underscores the rising risks faced by commercial shipping in the region, as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to evolve. Maritime authorities and shipping companies are likely to reassess their operational protocols in light of this incident, which highlights the precarious nature of maritime navigation in conflict zones.
As the situation develops, further investigations are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack and assess the implications for regional shipping and security.