Explosion on Turkish Oil Tanker in the Black Sea: Minister Says Likely Unmanned Naval Attack

The tanker, Altura, owned by Istanbul-based Pergamon Marine, was en route from Novorossiysk, Russia, when it suffered an explosion around 00:30 local time, approximately 14 nautical miles from the Istanbul Strait. The vessel issued a distress call while taking on water, with damage reported to the main deck and engine room.

Uraloğlu told reporters that the explosion targeted the engine room and appeared to be an intentional act designed to disable the vessel. “We believe this was carried out by an unmanned naval vehicle, not a drone. Technical teams have been deployed to the scene. This was a deliberate attack aimed at disabling the tanker,” he said.

The minister confirmed that all 27 Turkish crew members are safe, with no injuries reported. “There are no health problems or casualties among the crew,” Uraloğlu added.

The distress call was received by nearby vessels, with the Erdek responding immediately. The Turkish Coast Guard deployed two rescue ships, Kurtarma 11 and Kurtarma 12, along with the fast response boat Kıyı Emniyeti 5. Authorities continue to secure the area and assess damage to the tanker.

Technical teams are examining the vessel to determine the precise cause and method of the attack. Preliminary analysis suggests the explosion was externally caused and deliberately aimed at disabling the engine room to neutralize the vessel’s operational capacity.

The Altura tanker remains afloat, though it is taking on water. Rescue and safety operations are ongoing. Minister Uraloğlu stressed the importance of investigating the attack and coordinating with international maritime authorities to prevent further incidents in the Black Sea, particularly given the strategic significance of the Istanbul Strait for global shipping.

No official statement has yet confirmed the identity of the perpetrators or the motives behind the attack.