Russian-flagged tanker sailing to Georgia loaded with sunflower oil attacked

A Russian-flagged tanker sailing to Georgia loaded with sunflower oil reported a drone attack off the Turkish coast on Tuesday, according to Turkiye’s Maritime Affairs Directorate.

The tanker’s 13 crew members were unharmed, Turkiye’s maritime authority and the Tribeca shipping agency said.

The vessel, MIDVOLGA-2, reported coming under attack 80 miles (130 km) off the Turkish coast but did not make a request for assistance and was proceeding towards Turkiye’s Sinop port, Turkiye’s Maritime Affairs Directorate said on X.

“The necessary messages were conveyed to the relevant parties, including Ukrainian authorities,” a Turkish official said when asked for comment, but gave no further details.

The ship suffered minor damage and returned to Turkiye.