A Turkish-flagged fishing vessel sank in the Black Sea after an apparent attack, leaving one crew member dead and four others injured, according to Turkish authorities. The incident is significant because it highlights growing risks to civilian shipping in waters affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The attack affected Turkish sailors operating near the Russian-occupied Crimean coast.
According to the Turkish Coast Guard, the fishing trawler Duru 67 came under attack west of Sevastopol on June 5. Authorities did not identify who carried out the strike or specify the type of weapon used. The vessel sustained severe damage and later sank in the northern Black Sea. Rescue efforts were launched immediately after distress reports emerged from the area.
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A nearby fishing vessel, Burak Kaya, rescued five wounded crew members from the water and began transporting them toward the Turkish coast. However, one seriously injured sailor died during the journey. A Turkish Coast Guard cutter carrying a medical team later intercepted the rescue vessel approximately 213 kilometres north of Inebolu to provide emergency treatment.
Health officials said the survivors suffered extensive shrapnel wounds. Medical personnel reportedly performed emergency surgery at sea to stabilize one of the injured sailors before reaching shore. After a 15-hour voyage, the wounded crew members were transferred to a hospital in Kastamonu province for further treatment. Officials said two victims sustained minor injuries, while two others remained in more serious condition.
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The sinking of the Duru 67 comes amid continuing attacks on commercial and civilian vessels operating in the Black Sea. Recent months have seen several maritime incidents involving ships linked to Russian trade routes and sanctions-evasion networks. While previous strikes mainly targeted cargo vessels and tankers, the latest attack underscores the dangers facing civilian mariners navigating waters affected by the ongoing conflict.