Drones Strike Three Oil Tankers Linked to Sanctions Circumvention off Turkey

Three oil tankers tied to a 'shadow fleet' evading Western sanctions on Russia were attacked by drones off Turkey's Black Sea coast. These ships are known for transporting Russian oil despite embargoes related to the Ukraine conflict. Crews remain safe, though the incident raises security concerns.

In a significant incident on Thursday, drones targeted three oil tankers off Turkey's Black Sea coast. These vessels, part of a so-called 'shadow fleet', are listed in Western sanctions for shipping Russian oil, circumventing embargoes linked to Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

The James II, a Palau-flagged tanker, was hit while traveling north of Turkeli district in Sinop. It wasn't carrying any cargo at the time. The Altura and Velora, linked to Turkey's Pergamon Shipping, faced attacks during ship-to-ship transfers nearby. No crew members were injured.

Turkish coast guard teams swiftly responded, deploying vessels to offer support. The attack follows a previous drone strike on the Altura in March, which damaged key sections of the ship. Despite the lack of immediate claims of responsibility, the event highlights ongoing regional tension.

The ongoing conflict has witnessed Ukraine successfully deploying naval drones against Russian maritime interests, mainly in the northern Black Sea. This recent assault underscores persistent security risks and the complex dynamics around sanction evasion and maritime safety.