Nadezhda crew describes drone attack on Ro-Ro vessel

Crew members of the Ro-Ro vessel Nadezhda, which was transporting fruits and vegetables on the Samsun-Russia route, have shared harrowing details of a drone attack experienced while leaving Russian territorial waters.

Survivor Furkan Hardal, currently receiving medical treatment in Samsun, described how the incident began approximately 25 miles from the coast. He stated that drones initially harassed the ship by flying closely at high speeds before launching a targeted strike. Hardal claimed the intent of the attackers was not merely to stop the vessel, but to cause mass casualties.

The ship sustained six hits, specifically targeting the living quarters. Hardal reported that the explosions caused oxygen and fire extinguishers to burst, turning the vessel into a ball of fire. The crew faced severe injuries, including shrapnel wounds to lungs, ruptured eardrums, and loss of sight and hearing among some members. The crew endured approximately three hours of waiting for rescue amidst smoke inhalation risks and heavy bleeding.