A drone attack targeted the oil tanker Elbus in the Black Sea while it was en route to Russia, prompting a request for assistance from the Turkish coastguard. The incident occurred as the Palau-flagged vessel was making its way from Singapore to the Russian port of Novorossiysk. According to a notice from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, the attack specifically aimed at the tanker’s engine room, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 25 crew members, nor was there any pollution recorded.
The maritime security source characterized the incident as a drone attack, though the identity of those responsible remains unclear. This incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions in the region, particularly following attacks on two Russia-bound tankers by Ukrainian naval drones in late November. These earlier incidents led to a rise in shipping insurance rates and escalated threats of retaliation from Russia, while Turkey called for calm among the parties involved.
In early December, a Russian-flagged vessel also reported an attack in the Black Sea, though Ukraine denied any involvement in that incident. The Security Service of Ukraine did not respond to inquiries regarding the attack on the Elbus. Additionally, Turkey’s transport ministry and the Russian embassy in Ankara were not immediately available for comment.
Current Status of the Elbus
Following the drone attack, the Elbus diverted from its original course and anchored off the northern Turkish port of Inebolu. Marinetraffic data indicated that the vessel settled a few kilometers from the port, where it dropped anchor under its own power. As of Thursday, the Elbus had resumed control and remained at the Inebolu anchorage.
The Black Sea is a critical route for the transportation of grain, oil, and oil products, with waters shared by Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania. The ongoing conflict in the region continues to impact maritime operations and security, raising concerns among shipping companies and insurers alike.
While the immediate aftermath of the attack has been managed without casualties, the incident further underscores the volatile nature of maritime activities in the Black Sea, illustrating the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on global shipping routes.
