Three tankers reportedly attacked by drones in Black Sea, shipping agency says

(Reuters)

ISTANBUL, May 28 – Drone attacks were reported on three tankers in the Black Sea ​on Thursday near Turkey’s northern coast, ‌shipping agency Tribeca said.

The tanker James II, sailing under the Palau flag and in ​ballast, was some 50 miles (80 km) ​north of the Turkeli Area in the ⁠Black Sea when the incident occurred, ​the agency said.

The tankers Altura and ​Velora, sailing under the Sierra Leone flag and in ballast, were reportedly attacked in a nearby ​area while doing a ship-to-ship operation, ​the agency also said.

Coastal safety boats were sent to ‌the ⁠scene for assistance and all crew members in the tankers were reported in good condition, the agency said.

Moscow and Kyiv ​have frequently ​attacked one ⁠another’s ports and tankers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of ​Ukraine more than four years ​ago. ⁠Neither country immediately claimed responsibility for the new reported attack.

The Turkish transport ministry was ⁠not ​immediately available for comment ​on the incidents due to the Muslim Eid holiday.