Recent drone attacks on multiple cargo and tanker ships in the Black Sea

Reports have emerged regarding drone attacks on multiple vessels in the Black Sea late Thursday and into the night. Ukrainian officials reported strikes on three cargo ships flying the flags of Vanuatu, Comoros, and Panama, specifically identifying a Turkish-owned vessel named Ant which was damaged with two crew members injured. Simultaneously, shipping services and media reports indicated that three other vessels—the James II, Altura, and Velora—were targeted near the Turkish coast while conducting ship-to-ship transfers. Ukrainian intelligence identified these latter ships as part of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' used to bypass oil sanctions. While Ukrainian forces confirmed involvement in the Ant incident, no entity has claimed responsibility for the attacks on the tankers near the Turkish coast. Local authorities confirmed that fires broke out on the vessels but were successfully extinguished by their crews. Coast guard vessels were deployed to provide assistance, and it is reported that most crew members are safe. The situation remains complex due to conflicting reports regarding the specific vessels targeted and the parties involved.