ISTANBUL, Dec 2 (Reuters) – A Russian-flagged tanker loaded with sunflower oil reported a drone assault off the Turkish coast on Tuesday, however its 13 crew members had been unhurt, Turkey’s maritime authority and the Tribeca delivery company mentioned.
The vessel, MIDVOLGA-2, reported coming below assault 80 miles (130 km) off the Turkish coast however didn’t make a request for help and was continuing in the direction of Turkey’s Sinop port, Turkey’s Maritime Affairs Directorate mentioned on X.
Tribeca mentioned the ship had been attacked by a drone. It was not instantly clear who had attacked the ship and Turkey’s Maritime Affairs Directorate didn’t present further particulars.
The maritime authority mentioned the ship was crusing from Russia to Georgia, whereas Tribeca mentioned it was sure for Mersin. Each mentioned the ship was now en path to Sinop with out help.
“The mandatory messages had been conveyed to the related events, together with Ukrainianauthorities,” a Turkish official mentioned when requested for remark, however gave no additional particulars.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan mentioned on Monday that assaults on business ships within the Black Sea had been unacceptable, issuing a warning to “all associated sides”.
Ukrainian naval drones final week hit two tankers sanctioned by Kyiv and a few of its Western allies within the Black Sea as they headed to a Russian port to load oil destined for international markets, because it makes an attempt to pile strain on Russia’s oil sector.
NATO member Turkey has maintained cordial ties with Kyiv and Moscow all through the warfare. It has supplied navy assist to Ukraine, however refused to affix Western sanctions on Moscow.
It has beforehand hosted three rounds of peace talks between the warring sides in Istanbul and repeatedly provided to host a leaders’ assembly, saying an finish to the warfare have to be achieved now.
Ankara has additionally demanded navigational security within the Black Sea, the place it shares maritime borders with Russia and Ukraine.
(Reporting by Daren Butler and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Modifying by Bernadette Baum, Thomas Derpinghaus and Alexander Smith)