Turkish Fishermen Discover Unexploded Drone Near Istanbul | Mariner News

Turkish fishermen made a startling discovery this week, finding an unexploded drone floating in waters near Istanbul. The incident, reported off Karaburun, a district on Istanbul’s northwestern side, immediately prompted a swift response from the Turkish Coast Guard Command. This latest find highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime security in the volatile Black Sea region, particularly with the continued conflict in Ukraine.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Recovered

On Thursday, February 5, a fishing crew encountered the unidentified object and promptly notified authorities. A specialized SAS team from the Coast Guard was swiftly dispatched to the scene. After investigation, the team confirmed the device was an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Reports indicate the team secured, neutralized, and subsequently destroyed the drone after thorough analysis, ensuring public safety.

Black Sea Drone Concerns Intensify

Initial analyses, including by Türkiye Today, suggest the recovered object could be a Russian-made Geran-2, believed to be derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 kamikaze drone. While the Coast Guard continues its official investigation, this discovery follows a series of similar maritime incidents in Turkish waters. Previously, the focus was on errant mines, but now floating drones present a new challenge to Black Sea security, underscoring heightened regional tensions and the need for constant vigilance by maritime authorities.