A Russia-bound oil tanker has been damaged in what authorities describe as a drone-related incident while transiting the Black Sea. The Palau-flagged 159,000 dwt tanker Elbus was sailing eastbound about 30 nautical miles off Turkey’s northern coast when it was reportedly targeted by an unmanned marine vehicle and an aerial drone. Vessel tracking data shows the ship abruptly altered course following the incident, turning toward the Turkish shoreline.
After an emergency call from the vessel, Turkish Coast Guard units were dispatched to the area. Local media reported that the tanker sustained damage to its upper structure, but no injuries among the crew and no pollution were detected.
Despite the impact, Elbus remained seaworthy and proceeded under its own power toward safety. The vessel is now anchored off İnebolu on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, where inspections are expected to determine the extent of the damage.
Elbus previously operated under the names Euroleader (United States), United Leadership (Marshall Islands) and SCF Aldan (United States). Its identification number is IMO 9290385. This IMO number appears on European Union sanctions lists for involvement in Russian oil trade.
According to available shipping data, Elbus changed ownership in November, with its owner and manager listed in Hong Kong and mainland China. The tanker departed Singapore and was reportedly bound for Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil export terminal.
As of now, Turkish officials have not issued a formal statement on the incident, and the source of the attack has not been confirmed. Ukraine’s armed forces have not claimed responsibility.
