Russia-bound oil tanker reportedly hit by drone in the Black Sea

Reports say the Palau-flagged tanker Elbus was struck by a suspected aerial drone about 30 miles off Turkey and was towed into Inebolu port for inspection; no crew injuries were reported.

The Palau-flagged oil tanker Elbus was reportedly struck by a suspected aerial drone about 30 miles off the Turkish coast and issued a distress call before changing course toward Turkish waters. Turkish coastguard teams towed the vessel into Inebolu port, where it is being inspected. Initial reports said smoke was seen on the ship's deck. No crew injuries were reported. Known details: - The incident was reported roughly 30 miles off Abana district in Kastamonu, in the Black Sea. - The ship issued a distress call and was towed by Turkish coastguard teams into Inebolu port for damage inspection. - Initial accounts described the strike as coming from a suspected Ukrainian aerial drone. - No injuries to crew members were reported. Summary: This report comes amid other recent maritime actions involving tankers, including recent U.S. seizures in the Atlantic. The Elbus remains in port for inspection and authorities have not announced further actions. Undetermined at this time.