Besiktas Shipping Ceases Russian Trade Following Suspected Ukrainian Attack
Besiktas Shipping, a Turkish tanker operator, has announced its decision to halt all trade with Russia after one of its vessels, the Mersin, was reportedly damaged in a suspected Ukrainian attack. The incident occurred on the night of November 27-28, when the Mersin was anchored off the coast of Senegal. The vessel experienced flooding in the engine room, prompting a rescue operation by the Senegalese Navy, which successfully evacuated the crew. Besiktas reported that the Mersin was struck by four 'external explosions.' This event coincided with Ukrainian drone boat strikes on two other tankers, the Kairos and the Virat, in the Black Sea, both linked to the Russian energy trade. Although Ukraine claimed responsibility for the Black Sea strikes, it did not claim the attack on the Mersin. Besiktas emphasized its compliance with international sanctions and trade restrictions, stating that the security risks in the region have become too high to continue operations involving Russian interests. 
