Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Russian Drones Strike Turkish-Owned Grain Ship in Black Sea
A ship carrying corn from Ukraine to Italy was hit by two drones in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the ship belonged to a Turkish owner.
Romanian authorities identified it as the Royad Mammadov.
The ship caught fire and sank.
Eleven crew members were rescued, and one was hurt.
Reports differed about how many people died: Zelenskyy said the captain died and one person was still missing.
Romanian authorities were reported to have confirmed two deaths.
Zelenskyy called for more pressure and safer shipping routes in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said two Russian drones struck a Turkish-owned civilian grain vessel.
The ship, identified by Romanian authorities as the Royad Mammadov, caught fire and sank.
It was carrying corn from Ukraine’s Izmail port to Italy.
Eleven crew members were rescued, including one who was injured.
Reports differed on the final death toll: Zelenskyy said one person was missing, while Romanian authorities were reported to have confirmed two deaths.
- Who
- The crew of the Turkish-owned vessel Royad Mammadov; Zelenskyy said Azerbaijani and Indian nationals were aboard.
- What
- Two drones struck the civilian grain vessel, which caught fire and sank.
- When
- Monday, October 5, 2026.
- Where
- The Black Sea, outside Romania’s territorial sea.
- Why
- The reason for the strike was not stated. Zelenskyy called for pressure to improve maritime security and protect food supplies.
Zelenskyy’s account
Romanian authorities’ reported count
Casualty status
Zelenskyy’s account
Zelenskyy said the captain was killed and one other person’s fate was still being established.
Romanian authorities’ reported count
The article reports that Romanian authorities confirmed two people dead.
- Vessel
- Royad Mammadov, according to Romanian authorities
- Owner
- Turkish-owned
- Cargo
- Corn
- Route
- From Ukraine’s Izmail port toward Italy
- Rescued
- Eleven crew members; one was injured
- Casualties
- Zelenskyy said the captain was killed and one person remained unaccounted for; Romanian authorities were reported to have confirmed two deaths.
- Reported strike
- Two Russian drones, according to Zelenskyy