Three tankers hit by drones in Black Sea off Turkey

Three tankers were reportedly struck by drone attacks in the Black Sea on Thursday, located near Turkey's northern coast, according to shipping agency Tribeca. The incidents occurred in an area frequently affected by maritime activity and potential conflict.

The tanker James II, flagged under Palau, was approximately 50 miles north of the Turkeli Area when it was targeted. Nearby, the tankers Altura and Velora, both sailing under the Sierra Leone flag, were reportedly attacked while engaged in a ship-to-ship operation. All three vessels were reportedly in ballast, meaning they were not carrying cargo at the time of the attacks.

Coastal safety boats were dispatched to provide assistance following the reported attacks. Crucially, all crew members aboard the tankers were reported to be in good condition, with no injuries sustained. This marks a significant detail given the nature of the incidents.

Neither Moscow nor Kyiv has immediately claimed responsibility for the drone attacks. This lack of immediate attribution is common in the ongoing conflict, where both sides frequently target each other's ports and maritime assets. The Turkish transport ministry was unavailable for comment due to the Muslim Eid holiday.