Two drones struck a ship flying the flag of San Marino in the Black Sea, injuring two sailors. The attack took place off the Russian port of Novorossiysk, where a bulk carrier with 23 people on board was hit during a period of heightened tension in the area.
The two injured crew members, both sailors of Syrian nationality, were taken to hospital. According to information released by the Republic’s Naval Register, their condition does not appear to be serious.
The impact of the drones caused several small fires on board, which were immediately tackled by the crew following emergency procedures. The flames were brought under control, and the vessel was able to leave the area under its own power.
The bulk carrier then set course for Turkey, where flag-state inspectors and medical personnel will be waiting to assess the situation.
The attack comes at a particularly delicate moment for Novorossiysk, one of Russia’s main Black Sea ports, which had already been targeted hours earlier by a massive Ukrainian drone strike that forced the suspension of port operations.
