- A tanker carrying vegetable oil reported a drone strike near the Turkish coast, with all crew safe.
- The incident comes after a series of drone attacks on sanctioned vessels in the Black Sea last week.
- Regional tensions continue to rise as leaders issue warnings over commercial shipping security.
A tanker transiting near the Turkish coastline reported a drone attack on Tuesday, according to regional maritime authorities. All 13 crew members were unharmed, and the vessel continued its voyage without requesting assistance. Officials said it was heading toward a northern Turkish port at the time.
The incident follows a pattern of rising security risks in the Black Sea, where multiple vessels have been targeted in recent weeks.
Recent Attacks Heighten Tensions
Just days earlier, naval drones struck two tankers that had been placed under international sanctions. Those vessels were en route to load oil for export, part of the ongoing pressure campaign surrounding the wider conflict.
Following the previous attacks, Moscow issued warnings that it may restrict access to the sea and intensify strikes on facilities and vessels it regards as supporting its rivals.
Conflicting Statements on Responsibility
Ukrainian officials denied any role in Tuesday’s incident, saying the attack made “no sense” given the vessel’s route and suggesting the event may have been staged. Turkish authorities said they have communicated with all relevant parties, including officials in Kyiv.
The exact source of the drone remains unclear, and investigations continue.
Growing Security Concerns for Operators
Security risks are expanding beyond the Black Sea. A separate tanker operating off West Africa recently suffered damage from nearby explosions, prompting its owners to suspend activity connected to the region due to safety concerns.
Turkey, which maintains ties with both sides of the conflict, has repeatedly called for the protection of commercial shipping. Ankara has warned all parties that attacks on merchant vessels are unacceptable and has demanded safe navigation across the Black Sea corridor
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Source: Reuters
