The sanctioned oil tanker Qendil runs aground near Bozcaada Island south of the Dardanelles Strait on January 4. The vessel is linked to the Russian shadow fleet and was previously targeted by Ukrainian drones.
The Oman-flagged tanker drifted from its anchorage during a severe storm. It reached a speed of four knots before hitting the rocky shore about 100 meters from the beach. Turkish maritime safety agency KEGM dispatched two tugboats to assist the ship.
No oil leaks or injuries have been reported so far. The tanker is currently in ballast condition, which reduces the immediate risk of a major spill. Turkish officials are still investigating the cause of the drift.
The 250 meter-long vessel was traveling to Yalova for repairs. Ukrainian drones struck the Qendil in international waters in the Mediterranean two weeks ago. That attack caused a partial deck fire and structural damage.
Ukraine and several Western nations, including Canada and Australia, have sanctioned this vessel. The tanker frequently transports Russian crude oil to international markets. Authorities identified the master as a Russian national.
The tanker had been en route to the Russian port of Ust Luga in the Baltic Sea from the Indian port of Sikka when the strike occurred.
