Drone Hits Turkish Tanker Altura Carrying Russian Oil in Black Sea

An unidentified drone attacked the Turkish tanker Altura in the Black Sea while it was carrying crude oil from Russia.

According to the Turkish broadcaster NTV, the incident occurred about 15 miles off the coast of Turkey, near the Bosphorus Strait. The tanker was transporting approximately 140,000 tons of oil.

As a result of the attack, the vessel sustained damage to its deck, bridge, and engine room. According to available information, water began flooding the engine room.

The report does not specify what type of drone was involved – whether it was an aerial drone (UAV) or a surface drone.

The vessel’s crew consists of 27 people, all of whom are Turkish citizens. Preliminary reports indicate that there were no injuries as a result of the incident.

After receiving an emergency distress call from the tanker, the Coast Guard, the Turkish Coastal Safety Authority, and an emergency response vessel were dispatched to the scene.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the tanker Altura is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” whose vessels are used to transport oil and fuel in circumvention of sanctions.

For example, between January 2024 and July 2025 alone, the tanker transported approximately 6 million barrels of Russian oil.

In January, a fixed-wing drone struck the container ship Aurelia after it departed from the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea.

The attack took place when the vessel was approximately 80–90 nautical miles from shore. The crew of 16 was not injured, and the ship continued its voyage, later arriving at the Turkish port of Samsun.

Who was behind the attack remains unknown. There have been no official comments on the incident.