Drone attacks were reported on three tankers in the Black Sea on Thursday near the northern coast of Turkey, according to shipping agency Tribeca.
The incidents occurred during the Eid holiday, with Turkey’s transport ministry unavailable for immediate comment as much of the country observed the Muslim festival.
The tanker James II, sailing under the Palau flag and travelling without cargo, was reportedly attacked around 50 miles north of the Turkeli area in the Black Sea.
Two other tankers Altura and Velora sailing under the Sierra Leone flag were also reportedly targeted nearby while carrying out a ship-to-ship transfer operation.
Crew Safe Amid Emergency Response
Tribeca said coastal safety boats were sent to assist the vessels and all crew members were reported safe following the attacks.
No country or group immediately claimed responsibility for the incidents.
Black Sea Tensions Continue
The Black Sea has remained a volatile maritime zone since Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Russia and Ukraine frequently targeting ports, shipping routes and tanker infrastructure.
The reported attacks come despite broader efforts to stabilise regional trade and maritime security routes.
(with inputs from Reuters)
