Russian cargo ship Fortis drifts to Giresun after Black Sea drone attack

The Russian-flagged bulk carrier Fortis, carrying 3,300 tons of chickpeas from Novorossiysk to Mersin, was targeted by a drone attack in the Black Sea. Following the attack, the 10-person crew was evacuated, leaving the vessel unmanned.

The ship drifted uncontrollably due to currents until it reached the waters off the Keşap district of Giresun. Local fishermen spotted the vessel and alerted authorities. Turkish Coast Guard teams intervened, taking control of the ship and towing it to a safe anchorage near Giresun Port.

Upon inspection at the anchorage, smoke was detected rising from the hold containing the chickpeas, prompting emergency cooling operations by Giresun Port authorities to prevent a fire. The future of the vessel depends on whether the hatch covers can be opened to discharge the cargo or if the ship must be towed to a shipyard with its current load.