Shadow Fleet Tankers Under Attack in Black Sea
Reports from Turkey are indicating that three shadow fleet tankers that had transited into the Black Sea came under attack on Thursday, May 28. One of the vessels, which was underway, appears to have sustained damage, while the drones targeting two anchored tankers appeared to fail to explode.
The tanker that was underway is being identified by the Turkish shipping agency Tribeca as the James II (150,000 dwt), a tanker sanctioned by the UK. The vessel is displaying a message of “not under command” or drifting on its AIS. The vessel is listed as being managed from India and claiming registry in Palau, although Equasis lists the flag as unknown. The AIS signal indicates the ship was coming from India.
Turkish Officials Confirm Vessels Were Empty
Turkish officials told the local media that the vessels were all empty, traveling only with ballast, preventing an environmental problem. None of the crews were reported injured, and a Turkish patrol boat was reported to be surveying the area.
The tanker Altura (163,750 dwt) and Velora (163,750 dwt), both anchored, are reported as being registered in Sierra Leone, although Equasis lists the Altura’s flag as false since November 2025. Both tankers are managed by companies in Turkey and are sanctioned by the UK and EU.
Unconfirmed Reports of Drone Markings
Unconfirmed media reports are saying that the drones were marked with the wording for “police” that were used to target the Altura and Velora. Russian media reports are blaming the Ukrainian Navy for the attacks.
Recent Incidents in Region
Today’s incidents come just days after Russian officials reported that they found magnetic mines attached to the hull of an LPG carrier arriving in the Baltic port of Ust-Luga. While Ukraine has attacked individual tankers in the past, recently it has been focusing on Russian oil terminals both in the Baltic and Black Sea.
Ukraine increased its attacks on the Russian energy export infrastructure after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices soaring, and the Trump administration provided sanctions waivers for the purchase of Russian oil. Ukraine spoke of the need to interrupt Russia’s energy revenues.
Original Article: Drone Attacks on Three Sanctioned Shadow Fleet Tankers in the Black Sea — Dataportuaria