5 Azerbaijani mariners killed in drone attack on cargo ships in Sea of Azov

BAKU, June 05 (YPA) – Five Azerbaijani mariners were killed this morning in a simultaneous drone attack targeting the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Taganrog Gulf of the Sea of Azov, while en route to the Russian port of Rostov to load grain.

Azerbaijani media, quoting the Russian Marine Rescue Coordination Center in Taman, reported that the attack caused severe structural damage to both vessels. The Natra was struck by four drones, disabling the ship and leaving two crew members dead, while the Zircon sustained four similar strikes, killing three sailors and causing a fire to break out on board.

Nearby vessels successfully rescued the surviving crew members, transferring them to the Russian port of Yeysk, while tugboats have been deployed to tow the damaged Natra.

YPA