What Crew Members Say About Nadezhda

On August 3, 2026, the Roro ferry 'Nadezhda' was attacked by multiple drones while navigating approximately 30 nautical miles from Novorossiysk, en route from Samsun. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m., igniting a fire aboard that severely damaged living quarters and the bow, impacting several decks of the accommodation block and the bridge. Captain Yalcin Sahin claimed that six or seven drones were involved and attributed the assault to Ukraine, although this assertion remains unverified. The crew was able to account for all 22 members, which included 13 Turkish nationals. However, the presence of drones complicated rescue efforts, preventing Russian naval vessels from approaching the 'Nadezhda' to offer assistance. The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs coordinated a successful evacuation effort through the MRCC in Novorossiysk, although three crew members sustained serious injuries. Due to the ongoing drone threat, further rescue operations were halted. Initially, the 'Nadezhda', which was transporting fruits and vegetables between Turkey and Russia, was left adrift following the drone attack. Fortunately, the fire was eventually extinguished with the aid of a fireboat. Following the rescue, empty trailers from the ship were transferred to another vessel near Novorossiysk. The ferry departed on the night of August 7 and reached Samsunwaters on August 8, where tugboats guided it safely into port, under supervision from the Samsun Provincial Police Department’s Maritime Port Branch. This incident marks another troubling episode in a series of attacks on Turkish-operated vessels in the Black Sea since the onset of the ongoing conflict. The 'Nadezhda' is historically significant, having previously been known as the 'Lucía B,' and originally part of a series of Roro vessels built in Denmark in the late 1970s. Reports, photos, and videos of this incident can be found at various media outlets.

On August 3, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Turkish robot ferry 'Nadezhda' faced an unprecedented attack while navigating around 30 nautical miles from its destination of Novorossiysk. The vessel, which was on its route from Samsun, was struck by multiple drones, leading to a significant fire that affected the living quarters, bow, and several decks of the accommodation block and bridge. The crew's efforts to extinguish the flames were unsuccessful. Captain Yalcin Sahin indicated that he believed the Ukraine was responsible for the assault, although this claim remains unverified. He reported that six to seven drones were involved in the incident. Fortunately, all 22 crew members - including 13 Turkish nationals - were accounted for, but three sustained serious injuries during the chaos. The presence of drones in the vicinity complicated rescue attempts by Russian naval vessels, which struggled to approach the ferry and offer assistance. Ultimately, the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs coordinated with the MRCC in Novorossiysk to evacuate the crew to safety at the port. With the fire under control and the immediate danger passed, salvage operations were subsequently planned for the vessel, which had been transporting fruits and vegetables between Turkey and Russia. The 'Nadezhda' was broadcasting its AIS with the message 'Turk Crew Turk Owner' at the time of the attack. This incident marks a troubling continuation of attacks against Turkish-owned or operated vessels in the Black Sea since the onset of the Russian war. For further details and visual reports, visit the following links: [Turkey Today](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/turkish-owned-cargo-ship-struck-by-drones-near-russias-novorossiysk-port-3225318?fbclid=IwT01FWATd26lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4CGf_AltaY3aK_AToI_X8b5znNz5mWEGDLM8Au8ZCMq2eTJ7y_9U-SNmN8qQ_aem_0p5gpD4NkuVaEhh6RQS9Eg&s=1), [Tendar](https://x.com/Tendar/status/2084536384342118644/video/1), [Sloboden Pecat](https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/en/video-dronovi-pogodija-turski-brod-vo-crnoto-more-trojca-mornari-se-povredeni/).

On August 9, 2019, the vessel 'Amazon' encountered a technical malfunction involving its fire-fighting system in the engine room while docked in Samsun. The crew, with assistance from shore-based specialists, conducted necessary repairs to rectify the situation. Following the completion of these repairs, a panel of port master surveyors inspected the ship to assess the work done and subsequently granted the vessel permission to depart. The 'Amazon' set sail from Samsun on August 10, heading towards Tuapse, where it successfully arrived on August 12 at 7:15 a.m.

In a significant move, the Moldovan authorities have suspended the flag of the vessel 'Amazon' following its involvement in the transportation of military supplies to Tripoli from Turkey. The ship was reportedly engaged in delivering armored vehicles in breach of the international sanctions against Libya's ongoing conflict. On May 18, the 'Amazon' docked at Tripoli port, carrying over a dozen BMC Kirpi II mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles. Just two days later, on May 20, it departed Tripoli and made its way back to Samsun, returning on May 27. Notably, as of May 29, the vessel was still displaying the Moldovan flag, raising further concerns about its compliance with maritime regulations.

On May 18, 2019, a significant delivery of Turkish military equipment landed in Tripoli, as the cargo ship 'Amazon' docked with a load of armored vehicles and arms destined for forces aligned with Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA). This shipment comes at a critical time as the GNA strives to thwart the advance of the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar, towards the capital. Among the cargo were numerous BMC Kirpi armored vehicles manufactured in Turkey, which were carefully unloaded at Tripoli's port. The vessel had departed from Samsun prior to arriving in Libya’s capital. For more detailed coverage, including vivid images, visit: http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/north-africa/2019/05/19/Cargo-ship-loaded-with-Turkish-military-vehicles-arrives-in-Tripoli.html