Drone attacks Russian shadow fleet tanker carrying oil off Turkish coast
An explosion has occurred on the tanker Altura in the Black Sea, 15 miles from the Bosphorus Strait. The vessel, linked to Russia's "shadow fleet", was carrying Russian oil. Turkish authorities suspect a drone attack.
Source: European Pravda, citing Turkish outlet NTV
Details: The tanker Altura had departed Russia carrying 140,000 tonnes of oil.
While at sea, a powerful explosion occurred on board. The vessel's bridge sustained damage, and water reportedly entered the engine room.
Following a distress call, a coast guard vessel and the emergency response ship Nene Hatun, used in such situations, were dispatched to the scene.
Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, said the incident is believed to have involved an unmanned maritime vessel.
Uraloğlu added that technical teams have been sent to the site, noting: "No one was injured or harmed."
No crew members were injured, and the 27 Turkish sailors are said to be in good health.
The tanker is linked to Pergamon Shipping, an Istanbul-based company, and Ukrainian intelligence said it is part of Russia's shadow fleet used to transport oil in circumvention of sanctions.
Background:
- In December, a Russian Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone was discovered in Türkiye's Kocaeli province near the city of Izmit.
- It was also reported that Turkish fighter jets had shot down an "out-of-control" drone that had flown in from the Black Sea, although Türkiye did not disclose its origin.
- Following these incidents, Turkey warned both Russia and Ukraine to exercise greater caution regarding security in the Black Sea.
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