A Turkish-flagged oil tanker has been attacked by both aerial and maritime drones approximately 14 miles from the Bosphorus Strait, maritime security sources confirm. The vessel Altura, carrying 140,000 tonnes of oil, sustained damage to its superstructure and engine room during the early morning assault.
Details of the Maritime Assault
The incident occurred in the early hours today as the Altura was transiting near the entrance to the Bosphorus. The tanker had departed from the Russian port of Novorossiysk and was approached from both air and sea. Maritime tracking data indicates the vessel was approximately 14 nautical miles from the strategic waterway when the attack took place. The Altura is owned and operated by the Turkish company Pergamon Shipping.
Nature of the Damage and Cargo
Initial reports confirm damage to the upper sections of the vessel and to the engine room compartment. The tanker was laden with 140,000 tonnes of crude oil at the time of the incident. There have been no immediate reports of injuries among the crew or of significant pollution. The vessel’s condition and its ability to proceed under its own power are being assessed by maritime authorities.
Sanctions and ‘Shadow Fleet’ Status
The Altura is subject to European Union sanctions and is listed on maritime databases as part of the so-called ‘shadow fleet’. This designation typically refers to vessels that operate outside standard regulatory frameworks, often carrying sanctioned cargoes. The tanker’s departure from Novorossiysk, a key Russian export terminal for crude oil, underscores the complex maritime security landscape in the Black Sea region.
Regional Security Context
This attack marks a significant escalation in maritime threats near one of the world’s most crucial shipping chokepoints. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and ultimately to the Mediterranean, handling substantial volumes of oil and grain shipments. The use of both an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned surface vessel in a coordinated manner represents an evolving asymmetric threat to commercial shipping.
