Drone attacks hit three tankers in the Black Sea on Thursday, near Turkey’s northern coast, according to shipping agency Tribeca. The tanker James II, under Palau flag and ballast, was 50 miles north of the Turkeli Area when it was attacked. Tankers Altura and Velora, both under Sierra Leone flag and ballast, were also hit during a ship-to-ship operation nearby.
Coastal safety boats rushed to assist, with all crew members reportedly in good condition. Russia and Ukraine have frequently targeted each other’s ports and tankers since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago. Neither side immediately claimed responsibility for the latest attacks. The Turkish transport ministry was unavailable for comment due to the Muslim Eid holiday.