Tanker carrying Russian oil hit by drone in Black Sea near Turkey A marine drone struck a crude oil tanker departing from Russia, causing an explosion in the Black Sea near Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait on Thursday, according to Turkey’s transportation minister. The incident, which occurred in the early hours, is part of a series of attacks targeting Western-sanctioned vessels linked to Russian ports. The vessel, named Altura, was about 18 nautical miles from the Bosphorus, a critical shipping route connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. All 27 crew members aboard were reported safe, and the coastguard was dispatched to the scene. The attack, which took place just outside Turkish territorial waters, is believed to have aimed at disabling the ship’s engine room. The Altura, a Sierra Leone-flagged vessel, was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of Russian crude oil and had departed from Russia’s Novorossiysk port. The ship is sanctioned by the European Union and Britain. The Black Sea, shared by Russia and Ukraine, has been a focal point of conflict since the war began over four years ago. Turkey’s defense ministry emphasized its ongoing monitoring of drone-related risks in the region, citing the extensive use of drones in the Russia-Ukraine war. Officials warned of potential dangers, including drones losing control or drifting toward Turkish shores. Turkish naval vessels are patrolling the area to ensure navigational safety and prevent harm to ships or civilians. The incident follows a pattern of attacks on vessels in the Black Sea, including a surge in shipping insurance rates last year after Ukrainian drones struck Russian-bound tankers. Moscow threatened retaliation, while Turkey urged calm amid the escalating tensions.#sierra_leone #black_sea #turkey_transportation_minister #altura #novorossiysk
