Russian-bound tanker hit by drone in Black Sea, maritime sources say

Maritime sources say the Palau-flagged tanker Elbus was struck by an unmanned drone in the Black Sea, prompting it to request Turkish coastguard assistance and anchor off Inebolu; no injuries or pollution were reported.

Maritime sources reported that the Palau-flagged oil tanker Elbus was struck by a drone in the Black Sea on Wednesday. Lloyd's List Intelligence said the attack targeted the vessel's engine room and that there were no injuries among its 25 crew and no pollution. The tanker requested Turkish coastguard assistance and altered course, later anchoring a few kilometres off the northern Turkish port of Inebolu under its own power. It had been sailing from Singapore to the Russian port of Novorossiysk. Reported details: - The incident was described as an unmanned marine-vehicle and drone attack that reportedly hit the vessel's engine room, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. - No injuries were reported among the 25 crew and no pollution was reported. - The vessel diverted from its original course, requested Turkish coastguard assistance and anchored near Inebolu under its own power. - The Security Service of Ukraine, Turkey's transport ministry and the Russian embassy in Ankara did not immediately comment, and it was unclear who carried out the attack. Summary: Officials described the incident as involving a drone and said the ship had diverted to anchor off Inebolu, with no reported injuries or pollution. The Black Sea is a key route for grain and oil shipments and recent incidents have affected shipping insurance. Undetermined at this time.