UAV attack on Turkish ships in the Black Sea: 1 captain lost his life

Two Turkish-managed ships were targeted by a UAV attack off the coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea, near the ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa. In the attacks, the Syrian second captain of the ship named Wael K, which belongs to the Istanbul-based Spanish Atlantic Maritime fleet, lost his life, and one crew member was injured. The other ship targeted was the bulk carrier named Ladonna, which belongs to the Mersin-based TK Majestic Marine fleet. Despite the attack, the Ladonna continued its loading operations.

The Wael K, sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, was en route to the Port of Chornomorsk to load grain. The Ladonna was loading soybeans at the Port of Odesa under the flag of the Comoros. The Wael K is managed by İstmarine Ship Management, while the Ladonna was operated by the China-based Hubei Qintai Shipping.

STATEMENT FROM UKRAINIAN OFFICIAL

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Restoration Oleksiy Kuleba linked the attacks to Russia's increasing actions against Ukraine's maritime export routes. Kuleba also stated that these attacks could be considered retaliation against the "shadow fleet" tankers carrying Russian oil. Stating that the ports in the Odesa region are of critical importance to the Ukrainian economy, Kuleba emphasized that the attacks directly targeted civilian maritime transport and food logistics.

ATTACKS INCREASED THREEFOLD

Kuleba stated that attacks on Odesa ports in 2025 increased threefold compared to the previous year, reaching 96. The Ukrainian official described this situation as "an indicator that Russia is deliberately targeting international maritime trade and civilian targets."

WAEL K AND LADONNA CONTINUED THEIR VOYAGE DESPITE THE ATTACK

According to initial findings, the Wael K and Ladonna ships that were targeted continued their voyage.

News Source: 12punto