Baku: The body of the captain of the ship struck near Odesa has been sent to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs told APA. The captain, Samad Nasrullayev, was aboard the civilian merchant vessel 'Atlas Bey' when it came under a drone attack off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, as a result of consular measures and coordination efforts by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ukraine, Nasrullayev's body was sent to Azerbaijan on July 17. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased captain.

The incident took place on July 14 at around 3:15 p.m. local time. The 'Atlas Bey,' owned by Trkiye's Okean Maritime company, was targeted in a drone attack while carrying Azerbaijani citizens. Among the crew, eleven members were Azerbaijani citizens, and ten were evacuated via Moldova, later departing for Azerbaijan through Trkiye.

The recovery of Samad Nasrullayev's body marks a somber conclusion to the tragic event. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its condolences and the embassy's role in coordinating the repatriation of the captain's body.