Five Azerbaijani crew members lost their lives, and three others were injured when Ukrainian drones attacked two dry cargo ships in Taganrog Bay on June 5, as confirmed by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. Both vessels, the MV Natra and MV Zirkon, were en route from Turkey to Rostov-on-Don to load grain when they were targeted. Although they were manned by Azerbaijani nationals under private contracts, they were not state-owned and operated under foreign flags.
The Natra, registered in Belize, was struck by four drones at 00:45 Moscow time, resulting in two fatalities. The remaining crew managed to extinguish the fire, but the ship lost propulsion and needed towing. Just over an hour later, the Zirkon was hit, with four impacts causing a deadly fire that claimed three lives. The crew of 14 abandoned ship in lifeboats and were rescued by passing vessels, reaching Yeysk by morning.
While Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry is coordinating an emergency response, it has refrained from assigning blame for the strikes, although Russia has accused Ukraine. Ukraine confirmed its drone operation that night, claiming it targeted vessels allegedly involved in transporting grain and military supplies from occupied territories. Both ships, previously linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, have raised concerns over their roles in the ongoing conflict, with Azerbaijan now indirectly affected despite its neutral stance.
