Drone Strike on Russian-Bound Tanker in Black Sea, According to Maritime Sources
A Russia-bound oil tanker recently experienced a drone attack in the Black Sea, prompting it to seek assistance from the Turkish coastguard and alter its course. This information was reported by Lloyd’s List Intelligence along with a maritime security source on Thursday.
According to maritime data specialist Lloyd’s List Intelligence, the Palau-flagged vessel, named Elbus, was targeted by an unmanned marine vehicle and drone attack on Wednesday, specifically aimed at its engine room. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 25 crew members, nor was there any pollution resulting from the incident.
The security source characterized the event as a drone attack based on their assessment, although it remains unclear who was responsible for the assault. This incident follows a series of similar attacks in the region, raising concerns about maritime safety.
In late November, shipping insurance rates surged after Ukrainian naval drones targeted two Russia-bound tankers in the Black Sea. These incidents led to threats of retaliation from Moscow and calls for calm from Ankara. Additionally, a Russian-flagged vessel reported an attack in early December, although Kyiv denied any involvement in that case.
When approached for comment regarding the Elbus incident, the Security Service of Ukraine did not respond. Similarly, Turkey’s transport ministry and the Russian embassy in Ankara were unavailable for immediate comment.
The Black Sea plays a vital role in the shipping of grain, oil, and oil products, with its waters shared by several countries, including Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania. The geopolitical tensions in this region have significant implications for global trade and security.
On Wednesday, the Elbus was en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk from Singapore, as noted in the Lloyd’s report. Maritime traffic data indicated that the vessel had settled a few kilometers off the northern Turkish port of Inebolu on Thursday after diverting from its original eastward course across the Black Sea.
After altering its route, the Elbus dropped anchor at Inebolu anchorage under its own power, according to Lloyd’s. However, attempts to reach the Inebolu harbor master for further information were unsuccessful.
(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul and Jonathan Saul in London; additional reporting by Tom Balmforth; editing by Alex Richardson and Alison Williams)
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A Russia-bound oil tanker recently experienced a drone attack in the Black Sea, prompting it to seek assistance from the Turkish coastguard and alter its course. This information was reported by Lloyd’s List Intelligence along with a maritime security source on Thursday.
According to maritime data specialist Lloyd’s List Intelligence, the Palau-flagged vessel, named Elbus, was targeted by an unmanned marine vehicle and drone attack on Wednesday, specifically aimed at its engine room. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 25 crew members, nor was there any pollution resulting from the incident.
The security source characterized the event as a drone attack based on their assessment, although it remains unclear who was responsible for the assault. This incident follows a series of similar attacks in the region, raising concerns about maritime safety.
In late November, shipping insurance rates surged after Ukrainian naval drones targeted two Russia-bound tankers in the Black Sea. These incidents led to threats of retaliation from Moscow and calls for calm from Ankara. Additionally, a Russian-flagged vessel reported an attack in early December, although Kyiv denied any involvement in that case.
When approached for comment regarding the Elbus incident, the Security Service of Ukraine did not respond. Similarly, Turkey’s transport ministry and the Russian embassy in Ankara were unavailable for immediate comment.
The Black Sea plays a vital role in the shipping of grain, oil, and oil products, with its waters shared by several countries, including Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania. The geopolitical tensions in this region have significant implications for global trade and security.
On Wednesday, the Elbus was en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk from Singapore, as noted in the Lloyd’s report. Maritime traffic data indicated that the vessel had settled a few kilometers off the northern Turkish port of Inebolu on Thursday after diverting from its original eastward course across the Black Sea.
After altering its route, the Elbus dropped anchor at Inebolu anchorage under its own power, according to Lloyd’s. However, attempts to reach the Inebolu harbor master for further information were unsuccessful.
(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul and Jonathan Saul in London; additional reporting by Tom Balmforth; editing by Alex Richardson and Alison Williams)
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