A Sea Drone Attacked the Elbus Tanker Near Turkey: Vessel Under the Flag of Palau.

According to ТСН: An oil tanker linked to Russia was attacked by a sea drone in the Black Sea near the Turkish coast.

The vessel named 'Elbus', flying the flag of Palau, was approximately 30 miles from the Turkish coast at the time of the incident. After the attack, the tanker sent a distress signal, and the coast guard headed to the scene.

Unofficial Data and Reaction

No official confirmation from the Armed Forces of Ukraine regarding the attack has yet been given. However, Turkish media suggest that this could have been another attack by a Ukrainian drone on oil tankers linked to Russia. Similar incidents have already occurred in the Black Sea last year.

Turkey also notes that some Russian vessels belonging to the shadow fleet have chosen routes closer to the Turkish coast to reduce the risk of attacks by Ukrainian sea drones. 'Elbus' was following one of these routes.

Change of Course and Navigation Status

According to data from Bloomberg's vessel tracking system, 'Elbus' changed course after heading east in the Black Sea on Wednesday. Currently, the vessel appears to be anchored closer to the Turkish coast, and its navigation status is indicated as 'not under command'.

According to Kpler, 'Elbus' has been transporting Russian cargo since February 2025.

It has also been reported that the USA seized an oil tanker flying the Russian flag. The White House confirmed that this was a vessel of Venezuela's shadow fleet that was transporting oil and was under sanctions.

This incident highlights the increasing tension in the Black Sea, where attacks on vessels linked to Russia have become common. This could have serious implications for regional security and the economic interests of all parties involved. In the context of rising conflicts, both at sea and on land, it is important to monitor the developments and their impact on the situation in the region.