# Turkish ship drone attacks in Black Sea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-ship-drone-attacks-in-black-sea
> Updated: 2026-08-14T15:02:51.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, the Turkish-flagged bulk carrier MV Reyhan Sarı was struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle while transporting coal from Taman to Trabzon near Novorossiysk. The attack killed 54-year-old crew member Savaş Çakar and injured two others. Following the incident, the brother of the deceased, Abbas Çakar, reported receiving an email from Robert Brovdi, Commander of the Ukraine Unmanned Systems Forces, which allegedly stated the deceased had ‘consciously chosen this path’ and that his actions contributed to the enrichment of the Russian Federation. Abbas Çakar is seeking legal action, raising concerns that the strike on a commercial vessel may violate the Geneva Conventions.

In early August, the Turkish container ship LDR Yaşar was hit by three drones while sailing in international waters en route from Istanbul to Novorossiysk. The drones caused extensive material damage and ignited a fire, which the crew extinguished without injury. The vessel was subsequently towed to Samsun, Turkey. Lider Gemi Board member Aykan Üçüncü noted that the incident highlights the “growing risk of drone attacks on commercial shipping.”

Both incidents underscore an escalating pattern of unmanned aerial assaults on Turkish commercial vessels in the Black Sea, with Ukrainian forces having claimed a broader drone campaign against shipping in the area.

## Claims

- Robert Brovdi sent an email to Abbas Çakar stating the deceased sailor got what he deserved. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The MV Reyhan Sarı, a Turkish-flagged bulk carrier, was attacked by Ukrainian drones off Novorossiysk on July 21. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The attack resulted in the death of 54-year-old sailor Savaş Çakar and injured two other crew members. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The munitions used in the attack may constitute war crimes and violate the Geneva Convention. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The MV Reyhan Sarı was transporting coal from Russia's Taman Port to Trabzon. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Robert Brovdi is the Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: MV Reyhan Sarı drone attack kills Turkish sailor

A Turkish sailor was killed and two others injured when Ukrainian drones attacked the MV Reyhan Sarı. The victim's brother reported receiving a provocative email from a Ukrainian commander regarding the death.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-crew-member-killed-in-drone-attack-on-mv-reyhan-sar

### 2026-08-06: Turkish Container Vessel LDR Yaşar Survives Drone Attack, Reaches Samsun Port

Turkish container ship LDR Yaşar was hit by three drones in the Black Sea, suffered heavy damage and a fire, but no crew were hurt. The vessel was towed to Samsun Port.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bosphorus-sees-19277-ships-transit-in-first-half-of-2024

### 2026-07-22: Turkish cargo ship Reyhan Sarı hit by drone in Black Sea, one crew member dead

Turkish cargo ship Reyhan Sarı was hit by a drone near Novorossiysk, killing mechanic Savaş Çakar and wounding three crew; the vessel continued to Trabzon despite damage.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-cargo-ship-mv-reyhan-sar-hit-by-drone-in-black-sea-crew-member-killed

---
Cite as: Turkish ship drone attacks in Black Sea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-ship-drone-attacks-in-black-sea