Turkey has reported that a sunflower oil tanker came under attack while sailing through the Black Sea en route to Georgia. Authorities confirmed that none of the 13 crew members aboard sustained injuries.
Details of the Incident
The tanker, Midvolga 2, was traveling from Russia to Georgia with a full cargo of sunflower oil. Turkey’s maritime affairs directorate stated that the vessel reported the attack approximately 80 nautical miles off the Turkish coast near the port of Sinop, located in central Turkey along the Black Sea.
Officials noted that the crew is currently safe and has not requested any assistance. This incident follows earlier attacks on two other tankers near the Turkish coast, which had raised significant concerns about maritime safety in the region.
Previous Attacks and Security Claims
A Ukrainian security source claimed responsibility for the earlier explosions, reporting that drones targeted vessels allegedly transporting Russian oil covertly. The new attack on Midvolga 2 underscores the ongoing risks for commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid geopolitical tensions.
Turkey’s Response and Concerns
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the drone attacks as a “worrying escalation,” emphasizing that such incidents threaten navigation safety, environmental security, and human lives in Turkey’s exclusive economic zone. Erdogan warned that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has reached a stage where maritime safety in the Black Sea is directly endangered.
Turkey has called for heightened vigilance and urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate maritime conflict. Authorities are closely monitoring shipping routes and continue to coordinate with regional partners to prevent further incidents.
Implications for Global Shipping
The repeated attacks on vessels in the Black Sea highlight growing risks for international shipping lanes. Experts warn that such incidents could disrupt supply chains for critical commodities, including sunflower oil and other agricultural exports, which are vital for regional and global markets.
Shipping operators are advised to follow updated safety protocols and avoid high-risk areas, while nations bordering the Black Sea face mounting pressure to secure navigation and prevent escalation.
