Reuters: Three tankers attacked by drones near Türkiye’s coast

Drone attacks were reported on three tankers in the Black Sea near Türkiye’s northern coast on May 28, according to shipping agency Tribeca.

The tanker James II, sailing under the Palau flag and in ballast, was located about 50 miles (80 km) north of the Turkeli area when the incident occurred, the agency said, Reuters reports. 

The agency also reported that two additional vessels, Altura and Velora, both sailing under the Sierra Leone flag and in ballast, were attacked in a nearby area while conducting a ship-to-ship operation.

According to Tribeca, coastal safety boats were dispatched to assist the vessels, and all crew members were reported to be safe.

Coastal safety boats were sent to the scene for assistance and all crew members in the tankers were reported in good condition, the agency said.

The incidents come amid ongoing maritime tensions in the wider Black Sea region, where Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly targeted each other’s ports and shipping infrastructure since the start of the war more than four years ago. Neither side has claimed responsibility for the latest reported attacks.

Turkish authorities had not immediately commented on the incidents due to the Eid holiday period.

By Sabina Mammadli