Drone attack damages oil tanker off Türkiye’s Black Sea coast

An oil tanker sailing in the Black Sea was damaged in a suspected drone attack off the northern coast of Türkiye, authorities said, though no injuries were reported among the crew.

The tanker, Elbus, which is flying the flag of Palau, was struck approximately 30 nautical miles off the Abana district in Türkiye’s Kastamonu province. According to initial information, the drone hit the upper section of the vessel, causing damage but not endangering crew members, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

Following the incident, the ship transmitted a distress signal, prompting the Turkish Coast Guard Command to dispatch units to the area. As a precaution and to allow for a detailed technical inspection, the damaged tanker is currently being towed to the port of İnebolu.

Officials said specialists will assess the extent of the damage once the vessel reaches port. 

Authorities have not yet released any official information regarding the origin of the drone or those responsible for the attack.

By Sabina Mammadli