Drone Attacks Target Three Oil Tankers in Black Sea near Turkish Coast amid Rising Maritime Security Risks
Three oil tankers were reportedly targeted in separate drone attacks in the Black Sea on Thursday near Turkey’s northern coastline, according to shipping agency Tribeca, raising fresh concerns over maritime security, tanker safety, and regional shipping operations in the strategically important Black Sea trade corridor.
The tanker James II, sailing under the Palau flag and operating in ballast condition, was reportedly attacked around 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the Turkeli Area in the Black Sea, the agency stated.
Two additional tankers, Altura and Velora, both sailing under the Sierra Leone flag and also in ballast, were reportedly attacked in a nearby location while conducting a ship-to-ship (STS) operation, according to the shipping agency.
Coastal safety boats were immediately dispatched to assist the vessels following the reported incidents. All crew members aboard the affected tankers were reported safe and in good condition.
The latest incidents add to growing maritime security concerns in the Black Sea region, where ports, merchant vessels, and energy shipping routes have frequently faced threats since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago.
Neither Moscow nor Kyiv immediately claimed responsibility for the reported drone attacks.
Turkey’s transport ministry was not immediately available for comment on the incidents due to the ongoing Muslim Eid holiday.
The Black Sea remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime trade and energy transit corridors, handling substantial volumes of crude oil shipments, tanker traffic, grain exports, and regional cargo operations. The latest attacks are expected to heighten concerns among global shipping companies, marine insurers, and energy traders over vessel security, war-risk insurance premiums, and operational safety in the region.
