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2mo ago

Greek Tanker Maran Homer Damaged in Suspected Strike in Russian Black Sea Waters

Greek officials will lodge a formal complaint over the Novorossiysk incident, with responsibility not independently established.

AHTOPOL, BULGARIA - DECEMBER 8: The Kairos oil tanker, a Gambian-flagged vessel believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, remains anchored on December 8, 2025 in Ahtopol, Bulgaria. Last week, the ship was sailing from Egypt toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk when it caught fire after an alleged attack by Ukrainian naval drones. Bulgarian maritime authorities are planning the evacuation of the remaining crew. The tanker was sanctioned by the European Union in July for its involvement in Russia's so-called shadow fleet, a clandestine network of vessels that help the country skirt price-capping sanctions on Russian oil sales, penalties that were imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Hristo Rusev/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Maran Homer was hit in Russian territorial waters off Novorossiysk in a suspected drone or missile attack, according to Greece’s shipping ministry.
  • All 24 crew members were reported unharmed and the vessel remains seaworthy despite material damage.
  • The tanker was not carrying cargo and had been chartered by Chevron to load Kazakh crude linked to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
  • Maritime Minister Vassilis Kikilias implied Ukrainian responsibility and said Greece would file a strong complaint, while Kyiv has not commented.
  • Kikilias suggested a possible link to the recent U.S. move to temporarily ease some restrictions on Russian oil at sea, a connection that has not been verified.