A Turkish-owned dry cargo vessel sailing in the Black Sea was struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) late on May 28, resulting in minor injuries to two Turkish crew members, according to an official statement released by Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The vessel, which flies the Vanuatu flag, was transporting dry cargo from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa to Türkiye when the attack occurred. Authorities reported that the injuries sustained by the two crew members were minor. Türkiye’s Consulate General in Odesa is closely monitoring the condition of the injured citizens and remains in contact with the vessel and relevant local authorities.
In its statement, the Turkish government expressed concern over the growing risks and security threats in the Black Sea region amid recent escalations related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ankara warned that the increasing instability could have broader repercussions for regional security and maritime commerce.
Turkish officials said these concerns are being communicated to all relevant parties and reiterated calls for restraint to prevent an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict.
The ministry also renewed its appeal for the protection of civilian shipping in the Black Sea, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe navigation routes for commercial vessels. Türkiye reaffirmed its position that a negotiated settlement remains the most viable path toward ending the war.
We also remind the relevant parties that we stand ready to develop regionally owned and result oriented measures aimed at preventing further escalation and accelerating the peace process