Russia-bound oil tanker hit by drone attack in Black Sea

A commercial oil tanker heading to Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk was attacked this week, according to maritime industry reports.

Lloyd’s List said the Palau-flagged tanker Elbus was sailing east roughly 30 nautical miles off the Turkish coast when it was targeted by an unmanned marine vehicle and an aerial drone, based on intelligence data cited by the outlet. Around the time of the incident, the vessel abruptly altered course and turned toward the coast.

Turkish media reported that the country’s Coast Guard received a distress call from the tanker and sent patrol units to the area, later escorting the ship to shore. The vessel was reportedly struck in its upper structure, though there were no reports of injuries or environmental damage. Neither Turkish nor Russian authorities had issued official statements at the time.

The incident is the latest in a series of reported attacks on commercial tankers trading with Russia in the Black Sea. Since November, at least five such vessels have reportedly been targeted, including two Gambian-flagged tankers attacked off the Turkish coast while bound for Novorossiysk. Several of the vessels had previously been sanctioned by Western countries over alleged breaches of oil restrictions imposed on Russia after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.

Moscow has said the attacks violate the rights of ship owners and infringe on Türkiye’s sovereignty, warning they could undermine diplomatic efforts. Ankara has also raised concerns, noting the incidents occurred within its exclusive economic zone and posed risks to navigation and the environment. While Ukraine has not formally claimed responsibility, Ukrainian and Western media have reported that the Security Service of Ukraine is believed to be behind the strikes.

Image credit: De an Sun