Five seafarers were killed and several others were injured in a drone strike on two cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry confirmed on Saturday in an update that four Azerbaijani seafarers were among those killed. Two injured Azerbaijani have already been discharged from the hospital while two others will be discharged after completing their treatment.
The attack occurred overnight on Friday, with Russia blaming Ukraine.
Citing an official Russian communication to Baku, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry said that while the ships are not Azerbaijani state-owned, they were carrying a crew of 25 Azerbaijani when the strike occurred in Taganrog Bay on the night of June 5.
Baku said the injured were taken to hospital in Yeysk on the Azov Sea, while Azerbaijani embassy staff were dispatched to the area.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry did not specify who carried out the strike or provide an assessment of responsibility.
At the same time, necessary measures are being taken to carry out documentation work for the rescued Azerbaijani crew members and organize their return to the country.
Two deceased crew members have been found, and measures are being taken to send the bodies to Azerbaijan.
Officials in Baku said they were coordinating emergency responses with domestic government agencies, diplomatic missions and the competent authorities of the respective countries.
“The situation of our citizens, their return to the country and the provision of necessary consular support are being closely monitored,” the ministry said. “We express our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Russia accused Kiev on Friday for the attack in the Sea of Azov by Ukrainian drones.
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Ukrainian drones struck two vessels overnight on Friday in the Sea of Azov.
The vessels were reportedly travelling from Türkiye to Rostov-on-Don when the attack occurred, according to Zakharova.
“The circumstances of the incident are being investigated. According to available information, the vessels were attacked by Ukrainian drones,” the ministry said in a statement.
Russia’s foreign ministry conveyed its condolences to the families of those who had been killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It also said it was in contact with the Azerbaijani authorities and would provide all necessary assistance.
Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the reported casualties or the allegations. Recently, officials stressed that any vessel supporting Russian military logistics or participating in the illegal export of resources from occupied territories effectively finances the continuation of the war against Ukraine.
