Since 2022, over 20 Turkish vessels have faced attacks in the Black Sea, raising serious maritime security concerns amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
The heavy toll of war in the Black Sea: Over 20 Turkish vessels have been attacked since 2022.
The war that began between Ukraine and Russia in February 2022 continues to pose a significant security risk to commercial maritime transportation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. According to recent data, since the onset of the war, more than 20 commercial vessels owned, operated, or flagged by Turkey have been targeted by missiles, drones, and naval mines.
In the early days of the war, on February 24, 2022, the bulk carrier Yasa Jupiter, owned by YA-SA Holding, sustained damage due to a missile strike off the coast of Odesa. In the following period, numerous Turkish-linked vessels such as Tuzla, Kafkametler, MT Orinda, Kairos, Virat, Sabahat Telli, Gaia, Reyhan Sarı, and most recently ATA 2 were affected by attacks or war-related incidents. While some vessels suffered severe damage, there were also incidents in which sailors lost their lives or were injured.
Particularly, July 2026 has been recorded as one of the heaviest periods of the war for Turkish shipping. The targeting of numerous Turkish-linked commercial vessels during the same month heightened security concerns among shipowners and crews operating in the Black Sea. Reports indicate that 13 sailors lost their lives in incidents that occurred in July.
Maritime sector representatives emphasize that commercial vessels should be protected as civilian entities under international law, while also pointing out that the security risks in the Black Sea directly affect insurance costs, freight rates, and voyage planning. It is noted that the risk level remains high, especially for vessels carrying cargo to Ukrainian ports or operating to southern ports in Russia.
As the war approaches its fourth year, industry sources express that international initiatives to ensure the safety of commercial vessels in the Black Sea have gained importance. Experts indicate that the conflicts in the region continue to affect not only the coastal countries but also the global grain, energy, and container shipping chains.
Turkish-linked vessels attacked in the Black Sea:
February 24, 2022 | Yasa Jupiter: It became the first Turkish-owned commercial vessel to be hit by a missile on the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine off the coast of Odesa.
January 2023 | Tuzla and Ferahnaz: These Turkish-linked vessels were among those damaged during the attacks in the Kherson region.
October 2023 | Kafkametler: Sustained damage after colliding with a drifting naval mine off the coast of Romania and remained in the news for an extended period.
2025: With the intensification of attacks in the Black Sea, many Turkish-linked vessels, including MT Orinda, VIVA, and CENK T, were affected by missile and drone strikes.
May 28, 2026 | ANT: Was attacked by a drone after departing from Odesa. Two Turkish sailors were injured.
June 22, 2026 | Turkish-owned bulk carrier: Two Turkish crew members were injured in a drone attack carried out off the coast of Chornomorsk.
July 20, 2026 | Golden Leo: Was attacked by a missile while sailing after departing from Odesa. There were fatalities among the crew.
July 22, 2026 | Reyhan Sarı: Was attacked off the coast of Novorossiysk. The incident further increased security concerns in the Black Sea.
July 30, 2026 | ATA 2: Became a target of drones off the coast of Chornomorsk. The vessel sustained heavy damage while the 13-member crew was rescued.
August 3, 2026 | Yaşar and Nadezhda: Sustained injuries among numerous crew members after being attacked by a drone shortly after departing from Novorossiysk Port. Following the incident, Turkey made an urgent call to Russia and Ukraine for the safety of civilian vessels in the Black Sea.
Overall picture: Since February 2022, more than 20 Turkish-owned, Turkish-operated, or Turkish-flagged commercial vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov have been exposed to the direct or indirect effects of the war. Experts point out that the conflicts have made the region one of the riskiest routes for commercial maritime transportation in the world.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
