A Russia-bound oil tanker was hit by a drone attack in the Black Sea on Wednesday, forcing the vessel to divert from its course and seek assistance from the Turkish Coast Guard, according to maritime intelligence
and security sources.
Maritime data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence said the Palau-flagged tanker Elbus experienced an attack involving an unmanned marine vehicle and a drone that targeted its engine room. The firm stated that none of the 25 crew members were injured and no oil spillage was reported.
A separate maritime security source also described the incident as a drone attack, though it remained unclear who was responsible.
The Elbus was sailing from Singapore to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, Lloyd’s List Intelligence said. Following the attack, the vessel diverted from its eastbound route across the Black Sea and requested assistance.
Marinetraffic data showed the tanker later anchoring a few kilometres off İnebolu, on Turkey’s northern coast, on Thursday. Lloyd’s said the ship dropped anchor at the İnebolu anchorage under its own power.
The Security Service of Ukraine did not respond to requests for comment. Turkey’s transport ministry and the Russian Embassy in Ankara were also not immediately available for comment.
The Black Sea has seen heightened maritime security risks in recent months. In late November, shipping insurance rates rose after Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russia-bound tankers, prompting Moscow to threaten retaliation and Ankara to urge restraint. In early December, a Russian-flagged vessel also reported being attacked in the Black Sea, though Kyiv denied involvement.
The Black Sea is a vital corridor for global trade in grain, oil and refined petroleum products, with its waters shared by Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia and Romania.
