The owners of the Turkish-flagged cargo ship Reyhan Sarı, which was attacked by Ukraine and resulted in the death of a Turkish sailor, are preparing to file a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Axar.az reports, citing Turkish maritime news outlet HaberDenizde, that T and O Denizcilik, the ship's owner, and 15 crew members are preparing to take legal action against Ukraine over attacks targeting ships and sailors.

The Turkish side's application is being prepared by Memisoglu Kurun Law Office.

The application argues that civilian commercial vessels are protected under international law during wartime and cannot be treated as military targets. It alleges that the Reyhan Sari, particularly its living quarters, was deliberately targeted with the intent to kill civilians.

The petition describes the attacks as crimes against humanity and alleges that explosives containing cluster munitions and armor-piercing capabilities were used.

T and O Denizcilik purchased the Reyhan Sari in 2023, after which the vessel was formally registered under the Turkish flag and entered into the Turkish International Ship Registry.