Drone Strike in Black Sea
A Russia-bound oil tanker was struck by a drone in the Black Sea, forcing the vessel to request help and change course toward Turkey after sustaining damage, maritime intelligence and security sources report.
The tanker — reportedly the Elbus, a Palau-flagged crude carrier — was en route to Novorossiysk, a major Russian port, when the suspected drone attack occurred about 30 miles off the Turkish coast.
Why It Matters?
The Black Sea has become a hotspot for maritime drone attacks and risks to commercial shipping, with governments warning about navigation safety, regional stability, and the broader impact of warfare on global energy routes.
After the strike, the ship issued a distress call and Turkish Coast Guard units responded, escorting the damaged tanker toward the port of İnebolu for inspection and safety measures.