Turkish Oil Tanker is Under Drone Attacks Near Bosphorus

(MENAFN) A Turkish oil tanker reportedly came under drone attack near the Bosphorus after loading about 140,000 tons of oil at a Russian port, according to reports. The vessel has been blacklisted by Ukraine for transporting Russian goods.

The ship, named Altura, is owned by Turkish shipping company Pergamon and operated by a crew of 27 Turkish nationals. Reports indicate it was struck by both aerial and surface drones roughly 22 kilometers from the strategic waterway. While no injuries were reported, the tanker suffered damage to its bridge and upper deck, and flooding occurred in the engine room.

There has been no official confirmation of the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility. Ukrainian military intelligence has previously accused the Altura and its operator of being part of a “shadow fleet” that allegedly helps Russia circumvent Western oil sanctions. Maritime tracking data shows the vessel departed Novorossiysk, a major Russian Black Sea port, last Sunday en route to Istanbul.

Kiev has previously targeted vessels it alleges are involved in “shadow fleet” operations and has struck ships transporting oil from Kazakhstan via Novorossiysk pipeline routes. Western countries supporting Ukraine have, in some cases, detained suspected vessels for extended periods. Recently, the UK announced plans to use military measures to intercept tankers linked to Russian oil shipments, rather than relying on raids by other nations.

Russia has condemned Ukraine’s actions as piracy with Western support. Some Russian officials warn that NATO members are effectively creating a naval blockade, cautioning that Moscow might be forced to respond militarily.

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