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Summons After Black Sea Attacks
Türkiye summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to Ankara after drone attacks on two Turkish-operated vessels in the Black Sea, with the Turkish Foreign Ministry citing attacks on the Lider Bordo Mavi and the Lider Kocatepe.
“warned about the need to ensure the safety of people, property, shipping and the environment in the Black Sea”
The Lider Bordo Mavi was struck off the Russian port city of Tuapse on August 26, and the following day the Lider Kocatepe was targeted while being dispatched to tow the damaged vessel.
In Ankara, Turkish officials told the ambassador that “the ambassador was informed of our country’s reaction to these attacks and warned about the need to ensure the safety of people, property, shipping and the environment in the Black Sea,” according to a Turkish diplomatic source cited by İlke Haber Ajansı.
Kurdistan24 reported that Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said the attacks took place on Wednesday and Thursday, and that the ministry did not provide details on whether anyone was injured or killed in either incident.
TRT World said the ambassador was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry on Saturday, where Türkiye conveyed its reaction to the attacks and stressed the need to ensure the safety of life, property, navigation and the environment in the Black Sea.
Injuries, Towing, and Warnings
Turkish media reporting cited by İlke Haber Ajansı said Ukrainian drones struck the Turkish cargo vessel Lider Bordo Mavi near Tuapse, injuring five crew members, and Erkut Celebi, head of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the incident occurred on Thursday.
İlke Haber Ajansı also said another Turkish-linked vessel, the Ural, was attacked in the Black Sea on August 22, with one sailor killed and eight others injured, and that the Ural rescued 18 sailors aboard the vessel Necibe before being targeted itself.
Kurdistan24 said Turkish officials stressed the “absolute need” to protect people, property, navigation and the marine environment in the Black Sea during a meeting with Ukraine’s ambassador.
Daily Sabah reported that the Lider Bordo Mavi was carrying fresh produce, caught fire after being hit by three drones, and that five crew members were injured, while the Lider Kocatepe was targeted en route and sustained material damage before returning to Samsun.
Al Jazeera reported that Türkiye warned about the “absolute need to ensure the safety of people, of assets, of navigation and of the environment in the Black Sea,” and said the Lider Bordo Mavi was struck on Wednesday off the coast of Tuapse and the Lider Kocatepe was targeted the next day while on its way to assist.
Economic Stakes and Shipping Risk
Türkiye’s diplomatic move came as Turkish shipowners warned that escalating attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea could push companies into bankruptcy if the security crisis continues, with ships forced out of service and insurance and other operating costs rising.
“could push companies operating in the region into bankruptcy”
Turkish Minute said the warnings came during the August meeting of the Turkish Chamber of Shipping (İMEAK DTO), where Tamer Kıran said 22 Turkish-owned civilian commercial vessels, including three sailing under the Turkish flag, had been subjected to drone or armed attacks over the past two months.
Kıran also said that as of August 21 about 100 ships had sought refuge at Black Sea ports, shipyards and anchorages, with 35 waiting at the Samsun port anchorage and another 22 off Sinop.
Turkish Minute added that Kıran warned that “If this situation continues, it risks adversely affecting not only the commercial activities of our shipowners but also the presence of Turkey’s maritime trade fleet in the region and the sustainability of regional trade,” linking the attacks to broader regional commerce.
Al Jazeera said Türkiye has been calling for a halt to attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea as Ukraine and Russia continue to target each other’s export revenues, and it quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan calling for a halt to attacks in the Black Sea saying, “They are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction.”