Russia-bound tanker reportedly attacked in Black Sea
- Palau-flagged suezmax Elbus was struck while en route to Novorossiysk from Singapore, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty report
- Vessel ownership and flag changed in November
- No injuries or pollution were reported
A Russia-bound tanker was reportedly attacked on Wednesday while sailing off the Turkish coast in the Black Sea
A SUEZMAX tanker bound for the Russian port of Novorossiysk was struck as it was transiting the Black Sea, according to a Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty report.
The Palau-flagged Elbus (IMO: 9290385) was sailing east about 30 miles off the Turkish coastline on Wednesday when it “experienced an unmanned marine-vehicle and drone attack” around 1000 hrs GMT, the report read.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence Automatic Identification System data shows that the 2005-built, 159,062 dwt tanker diverted from its course and made a sharp turn towards the Turkish coast around the reported time of the attack.
Turkish media said that coastguard teams were deployed to the area.
No injuries or pollution were reported.
The vessel is anchored off Inebolu, Türkiye, where it arrived on its own power, according to the casualty report.
As of the time of publication, no statement has been issued by Turkish authorities.
Ukraine’s armed forces, which struck at least five Russia-trading tankers in November and December, did not claim responsibility for the alleged attack as of the time of publication.
Elbus changed ownership in November. Lloyd’s List could not find contact information for its new registered owner or shipmanager, which are based in Hong Kong and China, respectively.
