Oil tanker hit in Black Sea near Istanbul, crew safe after suspected underwater drone attack
A foreign-flagged, Turkish-operated crude oil tanker came under attack on Thursday in the Black Sea near Istanbul, according to Abdulkadir Uraloglu, who confirmed that no casualties were reported.
The vessel, identified as Altura, was carrying approximately 140,000 tonnes of crude oil when it was struck. Authorities said the engine room appeared to be the primary target of the blast, raising concerns over the method and intent behind the attack.
Speaking during a live broadcast, Uraloglu stated that an explosion occurred shortly after the ship departed from Russia. He added that initial assessments suggest the blast may have been caused by an unmanned underwater vehicle, indicating a potentially sophisticated strike.
Meanwhile, all 27 Turkish crew members on board were confirmed safe, as emergency protocols were quickly implemented following the incident. Officials emphasised that there was no immediate threat to life despite the damage sustained by the vessel.
In response, authorities dispatched technical teams to the site to assess the situation and begin necessary inspections. The minister noted that officials are closely monitoring developments while ensuring maritime safety in the surrounding area.
Furthermore, the incident has raised fresh concerns about security in the Black Sea, a region already under heightened tension due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Analysts warn that such attacks on commercial shipping could disrupt energy routes and escalate risks for vessels operating in strategic waterways.
Overall, investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and responsibility for the attack, as authorities continue efforts to safeguard maritime traffic and prevent further incidents.
