Three oil tankers targeted off Turkish coast by drone attacks

Three oil tankers in the Black Sea were targeted by drone attacks near the northern coast of Turkey, in a new development reflecting the escalating security risks threatening shipping and energy traffic in the region, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.

The Tribeca shipping agency reported the attacks occurring today Thursday, noting that the targeted oil tankers were sailing without cargo at the time of the incidents, with no injuries recorded among crew members.

The oil tanker "James 2", flying the Palau flag, was attacked approximately 80 kilometers north of Turkey's Turkeli area in the Black Sea, while the oil tankers "Altura" and "Vilora", flying the Sierra Leone flag, were attacked in a neighboring area while conducting a ship-to-ship transfer operation.

Authorities dispatched coastal rescue boats to the scene of the incidents to provide assistance and verify safety, while initial reports confirmed that all crew members are safe and no casualties were recorded.

No immediate comment was issued by Turkey's Ministry of Transport regarding the incidents during the Eid al-Adha holiday.