Russian drone attack kills ship captain in Black Sea; Indian crew member injured

A Turkish-flagged cargo ship operating in the Black Sea fell victim to a Russian drone assault, leaving the vessel's captain dead and several crew members wounded, according to reports on Wednesday.

The attack targeted the commercial vessel as it transited the strategically important waterway, which has seen intensified military operations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The incident marks another strike against civilian maritime traffic in the region, raising fresh concerns about shipping safety in contested waters.

Among the injured crew members was an Indian national, adding an international dimension to the attack. The extent of injuries to other crew members and the precise damage sustained by the vessel remain under assessment.

The Black Sea has become an increasingly dangerous zone for merchant shipping, with multiple attacks on commercial vessels reported in recent months. The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by seafarers navigating the region amid the broader geopolitical tensions.