On October 5, 2026, Russian drones attacked a Turkish ship in the neutral waters of the Black Sea, resulting in the death of the captain and another person reported missing.
Incident Details
The attack occurred while the ship Royad Mammadov, which had departed from the Ukrainian port of Izmail heading to Ravenna in Italy, was in neutral waters off the coast of Romania. The crew included members from Azerbaijan and India.
Following the drone strike, a fire broke out on the vessel, which subsequently sank. Eleven crew members were rescued, with one sustaining injuries.
Government Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the captain's death and reported the disappearance of another individual. He also noted that this incident is part of Russia's aggressive policy in the Black Sea, complicating the export of Ukrainian grain.
Context of Events
After the blockade of shipping in the Black Sea ports, the Danube ports have become the main channel for exporting Ukrainian grain. This incident highlights the dangers faced by civilian vessels in the region and raises concerns about maritime safety amid military conflicts.