Attack Unfolds Off Northern Turkey
On May 28, three empty tankers came under drone attack near Turkey’s northern shoreline. Ukrainian intelligence reports that the ships are part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The incident began when a drone hit the engine room of the Palau-flagged tanker James II, which was located roughly 50 nautical miles (80 km) north of the Turkeli district. According to the Tribeca agency, all 20 crew members aboard the James II are in good condition.
Two other tankers, the Altura and the Velora—both flying the flag of Sierra Leone—were struck nearby while conducting ship-to-ship cargo transfer operations. In response, Turkish coast guard rescue boats were dispatched to the scene. Despite the severity of the strikes, all crew members across the three vessels emerged unharmed.
Aftermath and Reactions
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. Turkey’s Ministry of Transport has not commented on the incidents, which occurred during a weekend coinciding with a Muslim holiday in the country.
This event highlights escalating regional tensions tied to ongoing military conflicts and maritime operations. Striking vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet signals that the struggle between Ukraine and Russia continues to extend into sea lanes. Maritime safety in this part of the world may become a pressing issue for international relations and economic interests, particularly concerning energy supplies.
A key factor remains Turkey’s uncertain stance, which could shape future developments in the region.
The recent drone strikes off Turkey's coast are not isolated incidents, as evidenced by a previous attack that targeted two Russian tankers in Novorossiysk. These ongoing maritime confrontations illustrate the heightened tensions surrounding Russia's shadow fleet and Ukraine's military strategy. For a deeper understanding of the implications on regional security and energy assets, read more about the strikes on key oil assets.