Two Azerbaijani Seafarers Killed In Russian Attack On Tugboat In Black Sea

Two Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and two others were injured after a Russian attack damaged a foreign-flagged tugboat in Ukraine’s Odesa region.

The vessel, Tedy, was damaged in the attack, Ukraine’s Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport reported on Telegram.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack happened on Sept. 9, 2026.

The two crew members who died were Azerbaijani citizens. Two more Azerbaijani crew members were injured and taken to hospital.

Six other Azerbaijani crew members were treated at the scene and did not need to be hospitalised, the ministry said.

The ministry offered condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wished the injured crew members a quick recovery.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry also reported on Thursday that two of its citizens were killed in a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea. It said two other crew members were injured and taken to a hospital in Chornomorsk, Ukraine.

Ukraine’s infrastructure ministry said the attack was a direct threat to Ukrainian and foreign seafarers.

The ongoing fighting has also affected shipping and facilities used for grain and commodity exports.

Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on each other’s port facilities and ships.

Ukraine has also appealed to the International Maritime Organisation over a sharp rise in attacks in the Black Sea. It said the situation threatens the continued operation of the Ukrainian maritime corridor.

Russia’s Defence Ministry separately said its forces had attacked a facility at the port of Izmail in the Odesa region.

It added that the facility was being used to receive military shipments supplied by Western countries to the Ukrainian armed forces.

The Russian ministry also said its forces had attacked a Ukrainian navy patrol boat, escorting ships carrying military cargo, in the Black Sea.

It also reported that drones had attacked the dry cargo ship Mavka, which was docked at Chornomorsk, south of Odesa. Russia claimed the vessel was carrying military equipment and supplies.

References: ukrainetoday, voiceofemirates