A Palau-flagged oil tanker en route to Russia was struck by a drone in the Black Sea on Wednesday, forcing the vessel to divert its course and request assistance from the Turkish coastguard, maritime sources reported on Thursday.
Details of the Incident
The vessel, named Elbus, was targeted in an attack involving an unmanned marine vehicle and drone that struck its engine room, according to a notice from maritime data specialist Lloyd’s List Intelligence. No injuries were reported among the 25 crew members, and there was no pollution resulting from the incident.
A separate maritime security source described the event as a drone attack based on available assessments. The perpetrator or motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Vessel’s Route and Response
The Elbus had been traveling from Singapore toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk. Following the attack on Wednesday, the tanker diverted from its eastward course across the Black Sea.
Marinetraffic data indicated that by Thursday, the vessel had dropped anchor a few kilometers off the northern Turkish port of Inebolu, at the Inebolu anchorage. Lloyd’s List Intelligence confirmed that the Elbus arrived under its own power.
Broader Context in the Black Sea
The Black Sea serves as a vital route for shipping grain, oil, and oil products, with waters shared by Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania.
In late November, shipping insurance rates increased after Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russia-bound tankers in the Black Sea. Those incidents led Moscow to threaten retaliation, while Ankara called for calm. In early December, a Russian-flagged vessel reported a similar attack in the area, though Kyiv denied involvement.
The Security Service of Ukraine did not respond to requests for comment on the Elbus incident. Turkey’s transport ministry and the Russian embassy in Ankara were not immediately available for comment. Attempts to reach the Inebolu harbour master were unsuccessful.
