The passenger ferry Sea Bridge, which departed from Trabzon, Turkey, with 20 people on board, has been anchored 19 kilometers off the coast of Sochi for over twelve hours. The vessel was denied entry to the seaport due to scheduled military exercises to counter attacks by maritime drones.

A Rossiyskaya Gazeta correspondent, stationed at the port since the morning, has been following the developments. The ferry departed on the evening of November 6, resuming regular service between Russia and Turkey after 14 years. Border guards began checking the crew's documents at sea, while maneuvers were being completed in the port waters.

The shipowner's representatives expected to dock immediately after the exercises. Passengers are remaining on board while they wait, and the crew is in contact with dispatchers. Law enforcement officials promise to issue permission within the next few hours, once all procedures are completed. The weather in the area is calm, and sea swells are minimal.