The ORINDA tanker was carrying liquified petroleum gas when it was hit during evacuation operations, causing a fire to break out
Russia has previously been accused of attacking Turkish ships. (Image: Getty)
A Turkish-flagged tanker, ORINDA, was struck in a reported drone attack near the Port of Izmail in Ukraine, causing a fire on board.
The vessel, which was carrying liquified petroleum gas, was hit during evacuation operations, sparking a fire on board An unidentified missile or rocket slammed into the ship while 16 crew members were evacuating.
Thankfully, they managed to escape safely before the fire fully ignited and officials confirmed there were no injuries to the crew. Ukrainian firefighters quickly responded to the scene to support the crew, with Turkish authorities also keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation.
2024 suspected Turkish ship attack
A more comprehensive assessment of the damage is anticipated once the fire is under control.
This isn’t the first time a Turkish-flagged ship has been targeted in the Black Sea since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reports the Express.
In 2024, Russia was suspected of launching a missile strike on a Turkish-operated cargo ship transporting Ukrainian grain to Egypt.
The incident took place approximately 30 miles off Romania’s coastline.
The tanker was reportedly hit by a drone (Image: denizhaber)
Which was outside national waters but within the country’s exclusive maritime economic zone.
While there were no casualties, the ship suffered significant damage.
The year prior, a Turkish-owned cargo vessel was attacked and boarded by the Russian navy.
Warning shots from automatic weapons were fired at the ükrü Okan before it was raided via helicopter roughly 37 miles off Turkey’s northwest coast.
Russia claimed ship failed to respond
Russia claimed the ship failed to respond when asked to stop. This led the navy to inspect it before it continued its journey to Izmail.
Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate stated: “After the intervention, our interlocutors in the Russian Federation were warned appropriately to avoid such attempts, which escalate tensions in the Black Sea.” (The Mirror)
