At least five Azerbaijani seafarers were killed after two cargo ships were attacked by drones in Russia's Taganrog Bay in the Sea of Azov.
A team from Azerbaijan's embassy in Russia offered consular support to the three people who have been injured, as well as those who were rescued from the attacked vessels.
"The condition of the injured is reported as stable, and several of them are expected to be discharged from the hospital shortly," its Ministry of Foreign Affairs told state news agency Azertac, adding that work was underway to identify the deceased as well.
The affected vessels were identified as the Belize-flagged Natra (IMO: 8729975) and the Palau-flagged Circon (IMO: 8887519), identified in some reports as the Zirkon.
Both vessels had been travelling from Turkey to Rostov-on-don in Russia to load grain.
According to local media reports, the Natra—which was en route from the Bartin Port in Turkey—was struck at about 12:45 AM (local time) by four drones, which resulted in a fire.
This killed two of the ship's crew members. Though the fire was extinguished, the vessel remained afloat, requiring towage assistance.
Two tugs were later dispatched to help the rest of the ship's crew, who were taken to the Yeysk Port in Russia by merchant ships.
About an hour later, at almost 2 AM (local time), the Circon—which was en route from the Samsun Port in Turkey—was hit multiple times in its superstructure, killing three of its crew members.
The remainder of the crew abandoned the vessel on lifeboats, as the ship continued to burn.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin lashed out at Ukraine for allegedly orchestrating the attack. However, Kyiv has not publicly claimed responsibility for the attack on the ships.
"At the same time, necessary steps are being taken to complete documentation procedures for the rescued Azerbaijani citizens, provide them with emergency return certificates, and organise their repatriation," the Azertac report added.
