Civilian Maritime Security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov

Recent developments in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov basin indicate that regional conflicts have shifted in dimension, directly threatening civilian maritime trade and fishing activities. The displacement of combat zones to logistical and commercial routes not only endangers global supply chains and food security but also severely undermines the norms of international maritime law.

Security Threats and Concrete Developments in the Region

Two separate incidents in the early days of June 2026 have revealed that the risk level for civilian mariners in the region has reached a critical point. On the night of 4–5 June, the dry cargo ships Natra and Zircon, operated by a Turkish company and navigating near the Taganrog Gulf in the Sea of Azov, were subjected to drone attacks. Five seafarers lost their lives in this tragic incident. Immediately following this attack, on 5 June 2026, the Turkish-flagged fishing vessel Duru 67, operating off the coast of Crimea, was targeted, resulting in the death of one Turkish fisherman.

These incidents demonstrate a clear violation of the life safety of civilian elements that are not direct parties to the conflicts and merely conduct commercial and economic activities in international waters or areas with defined legal status.

Maritime Sovereignty, Cabotage, and Freedom of Navigation

These attacks necessitate a comprehensive evaluation in terms of countries’ maritime rights and sovereignty elements. Considered in the context of Türkiye, the Cabotage Law and cabotage rights, which are the most concrete manifestations of independence and economic sovereignty in the seas, grant Turkish-flagged vessels the authority to conduct all types of commercial activities within our national territorial waters. However, the security of Turkish civilian mariners, fishermen, and enterprises in the high seas or basins of international importance is of vital importance for both the protection of national interests and the sustainability of the ‘freedom of navigation’ principle guaranteed by international law.

The security, freedom, and legal control mechanisms in the seas that lie at the heart of the cabotage spirit must also be supported by the principle of the inviolability of civilian ships in international waters. Therefore, the failure to protect civilian navigation routes damages the sovereign rights of states and the functionality of the global maritime legal regime.

International Humanitarian Law and the Food Security Dimension

International maritime law and the law of armed conflict draw very clear boundaries in the conduct of military operations. Foremost among these rules are the ‘principle of distinction’ and the ‘principle of proportionality’. The strict distinction between military objectives and civilian elements is an international obligation. Targeting cargo ships present at sea for civilian and peaceful purposes, or fishing vessels that constitute the first link in food supply, is a grave violation of these universal principles.

From a legal perspective, fishing activities are not merely a source of economic gain but the fundamental building block of societies’ food security. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits targeting food items, production areas, and resources essential for the survival of the civilian population, and categorically rejects the use of starvation as a method of warfare. Accordingly, knowingly and willingly targeting civilian fishing activities and food production chains can be evaluated under international criminal law as a ‘war crime’ or a ‘crime against humanity’, depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Legal Processes and the Responsibilities of International Institutions

Against these legal violations in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, global diplomatic and legal mechanisms must be activated immediately. To shed light on the incidents, it is essential to initiate an independent, transparent, and effective investigation process, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable before international judicial bodies. Furthermore, seeking the material and moral rights of the deceased seafarers and their families on the grounds of international law is a legal necessity.

In this context, all relevant international organizations, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the global umbrella organization of the maritime sector, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are expected to fulfill their statutory responsibilities without delay. Restoring maritime security and protecting the universal guarantees of civilian shipping is the joint legal and humanitarian duty of the international community.