Overview
- Three tankers named James II, Altura and Velora were hit by explosives-equipped drones about 80 kilometres north of Turkeli, Sinop on Thursday, and crews on all vessels were reported unharmed.
- All three ships appear on Western sanctions lists as part of a so-called 'shadow fleet' that moves Russian oil around trade restrictions, and two of the vessels were engaged in ship-to-ship transfers at the time.
- Turkish coast guard vessels were dispatched to assist after the May 28 strikes and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.
- The May 28 incidents continue a pattern of naval-drone operations against shadow-fleet tankers, including a March 26 strike that damaged the Altura's bridge and engine room, and analysts say Ukraine's long-range marine drones have been used in past attacks though attribution for each strike remains unconfirmed.
- Underwriters and shippers are already raising premiums and changing routes, which will raise costs for oil transport from the Black Sea and could further complicate Turkey's role as a regional maritime gatekeeper.