Drone Boat Hits Russian Oil Tanker in Black Sea, Reports Turkey

A tanker transporting Russian crude oil was reportedly hit by a drone boat in the Black Sea near Turkey, according to Turkish media on Thursday. The incident occurred off the Turkish coast, raising fresh concerns about maritime safety in the region. Such attacks have increased tensions in an already sensitive geopolitical area. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The development has once again highlighted vulnerabilities in international shipping routes.

The vessel, identified as Altura, was struck around 15 nautical miles (28 km) from Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Broadcaster NTV confirmed that all 27 crew members on board were safe after the incident. Despite the impact, no casualties were reported, which brought some relief to officials. Emergency protocols were quickly activated to handle the situation. The crew’s safety remained the top priority during the response.

The Sierra Leone-flagged tanker had departed from Russia’s Novorossiysk port carrying nearly 1 million barrels of crude oil. According to ship-tracking data, the vessel is currently under sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United Kingdom. This adds another layer of complexity to the incident. The tanker’s route and cargo have drawn international attention. Such movements are being closely watched amid ongoing global tensions.

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Drone Boat Attack Hits Russian Oil Tanker Near Turkey in Black Sea

Reports indicated that an explosion occurred on the bridge of the ship, which is owned by Turkish firm Besiktas. The blast caused water to enter the engine room, raising concerns about potential damage. This could have affected the vessel’s functioning and stability. Quick action was necessary to prevent further complications. The situation was handled carefully to avoid escalation.

Following the attack, Turkish coast guard teams and an emergency response vessel were dispatched to assist the tanker. All crew members were safely rescued, according to reports. This marks the second drone attack on an oil tanker in the Black Sea this year. A similar incident took place in January 2026, prompting concern among authorities. Earlier attacks in 2025 had also led to rising shipping insurance costs and heightened regional tensions.

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