Multiple reports say three crude-oil tankers in the Black Sea near Turkey’s northern coast are struck by drone attacks. A shipping agency identified the incidents as occurring on Thursday, describing three vessels operating in ballast and under non-Russian flags: the tanker James II (Palau flag) and the tankers Altura and Velora (Sierra Leone flags). The James II was reportedly about 50 miles (80 km) north of the Turkeli area when the incident occurred. The other two tankers were reportedly attacked in a nearby area while carrying out a ship-to-ship operation. Reports also say coastal safety boats were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. Crew members are reported to be safe and no casualties are mentioned.
Some outlets frame the vessels as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions, with Ukraine’s intelligence service reportedly stating the tankers were used for that purpose. Separate accounts cite a local port agent or shipping agency as the source for the incident details, including the timing and location, without providing further information on responsibility beyond the reported drone attacks.
