San Marino, August 15, 2026 – Moments of high tension in the waters of the Black Sea. Yesterday morning, a bulk carrier flying the flag of the Republic of San Marino was targeted by two drones off the Russian port of Novorossiysk. On board the merchant ship were 23 crew members. The news was announced directly by the San Marino Ship Register.
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2 sailors injured and taken to hospital
During the action, two sailors of Syrian nationality were injured. Both were promptly evacuated and taken to hospital: their conditions, fortunately, do not appear to be of particular concern. The crew reacted quickly by activating safety protocols and managing to extinguish the initial fire caused by the explosion of the carriers.
The ship resumed navigation towards Turkey
Despite the impact, the bulk carrier was able to resume sailing independently and left the collision area under its own power. The ship is currently en route to Turkey, where its arrival is expected, according to reports, around midnight today. Medical rescue teams and flag state inspectors will be waiting for it upon arrival, ready to carry out technical inspections and provide the necessary assistance. The San Marino Ship Register reiterates that the protection of the crew is currently the top priority.
The ambush in a highly unstable area
The ambush takes place in a context of very serious instability in the area. Just on Thursday, the port infrastructure of Novorossiysk – a key hub of the Black Sea for grain trade by Moscow – was forced to halt all operations due to a massive attack launched by Kyiv using drones.
