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Two cargo vessels, Natra and Zirkon, were attacked by drones in Russia's Taganrog Bay in the Sea of Azov during the early hours of 5 June. The incident occurred while the vessels were en-route from Turkey to Rostov-on-Don to load grain. Three injured and five fatalities were reported.
According to Azerbaijan news media reports, approximately at 00:45 local time the Belize-flagged Natra was struck by four drones that resulted in a fire and was extinguished by crewmembers . Two crewmembers were killed in the attack while the vessel remained afloat awaiting towage assistance.
An hour later at around 01:55 am local time the Palao-flagged Zirkon was reportedly hit for about four times in its superstructure. Three crewmembers were reported dead and the remaining crew abandoned the vessel in lifeboats as the blaze continued aboard.
Survivors were rescued by three merchant vessels transiting the area and were later transferred to the Russian port of Yeysk. Two tugboats were dispatched to assist the damaged Natra.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada confirmed the incident stating that the vessels were carrying 25 crewmembers of Azerbaijan nationals. Five crew members died while three were injured and were hospitalized in the Russian city of Yeysk. The Ministry also added that the vessels were not owned by Azerbaijan.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin accused that both the vessels were attacked by Ukrainian drones while en route to Rostov-on-Don. The ministry added that injured seafarers received assistance from a passing Russian vessel.
Fuente: marinetraffic_maritimenews
