Turkish fishermen hesitant to return after deadly Black Sea drone strike

On June 5 a Turkish fishing vessel near Crimea was struck by two blasts, igniting a fire and causing the ship to sink. Captain Cüneyt Varlık died during the rescue, while crew members Ahmet Özlü, his brother Mehmet, and three others suffered shrapnel and other injuries. The Turkish Coast Guard rescued the survivors, but they now refuse to resume fishing trips, fearing additional strikes.

Authorities have not officially named the perpetrator, though coastguard staff hinted a Ukrainian drone may have mistakenly hit the boat. The incident is part of an increasing series of attacks on civilian and commercial vessels in the Black Sea since the conflict began, leading Turkish leaders to demand explanations and compensation. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned such attacks at the UN, and maritime officials warned that the danger is driving sailors away from the region.