The Ukrainian Navy reported a strike on the sanctioned tanker Marquise approximately 210 km southeast of Tuapse, Russia, on April 29. The vessel, flagged by Cameroon and carrying over 37,000 tonnes of cargo, was drifting at sea with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned off, likely awaiting a ship-to-ship transfer.
The attack was carried out by two unmanned surface vehicles, which struck the stern area, hitting the propeller-rudder group and engine room. The extent of the damage is still being clarified.
Sanctions-Listed Vessel Targeted
The Ukrainian Navy emphasized that Marquise is listed on sanctions lists from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada. The ship was used by the enemy for illegal petroleum product transportation. This strike highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal activities at sea.
Spill Reported in Tuapse Area
Following the UAV attack, a spill of burning petroleum products was reported in the Tuapse area, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency in the city. The incident underscores the potential risks and consequences associated with these types of attacks.
The Ukrainian Navy’s announcement about the fleet operation was published on its official Facebook page, providing details on the strike and referencing the ship’s sanctions status through a linked document.
Original Article: Ukrainian Navy drones struck the sanctioned tanker Marquise about 210 km off Tuapse — Korabelov