A Turkish-flagged fishing vessel sank in the Black Sea on Friday after coming under attack off the coast of Sevastopol, west of the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, leaving one fisherman dead and four others injured, according to Turkish authorities.

The vessel, identified as DURU 67, was operating in waters west of Crimea when it sustained severe damage during the attack and subsequently sank, Türkiye’s Coast Guard Command said in a statement. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the attack or identified those responsible.

A nearby Turkish fishing boat, BURAK KAYA, rushed to the scene and evacuated five injured crew members from the sinking vessel. The rescue boat then began heading toward the northern Turkish port of İnebolu. During the journey, one of the fishermen, who had suffered critical injuries, died despite efforts to save him.

Large-Scale Rescue Operation Launched

Following the distress call, Türkiye’s Coast Guard dispatched patrol vessel TCSG-96 from İnebolu Port with a specialized medical team consisting of doctors, emergency responders, nurses, and support personnel. The rescue vessel reached BURAK KAYA approximately 115 nautical miles north of İnebolu within Türkiye’s Search and Rescue Region.

The deceased fisherman’s body and the four injured crew members were transferred to the Coast Guard vessel, where emergency medical treatment began before they were transported back to shore. Turkish officials said the injured fishermen were later taken to medical facilities for further treatment.

Investigation Underway

Turkish authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining all available evidence, including vessel tracking data and communications records, to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. As of Friday evening, no group or state actor had claimed responsibility.

The attack occurred in a region that has seen heightened security concerns since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Commercial and civilian vessels operating in parts of the Black Sea have increasingly faced risks from military activity, drone operations, mines, and other security threats linked to the conflict.

Renewed Concerns Over Black Sea Security

The incident comes just weeks after Türkiye warned against what it described as an “uncontrolled escalation” in the Black Sea following a separate attack on a Turkish cargo vessel. At the time, Ukrainian naval officials said a Russian drone had struck the ship, highlighting the growing dangers facing civilian maritime traffic in the strategically important waterway.

Turkish officials have not linked Friday’s attack to any specific party and have urged caution until the investigation is completed. However, the sinking of DURU 67 is expected to renew concerns over the safety of Turkish commercial and fishing vessels operating near conflict-affected areas of the Black Sea.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Coast Guard Command are continuing to monitor developments as authorities work to establish the full circumstances behind the deadly attack. (ILKHA)