Russian Oil Tanker Altura Severely Damaged After Drone Attack in Black Sea

A oil tanker identified as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, Altura, was reportedly hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) in the Black Sea, according to a report by Turkish television station NTV on Thursday (26/3) local time. The vessel, carrying 140,000 tonnes of oil, was en route from Novorossiysk, Russia, to Istanbul, Turkey.

NTV’s report stated that the drone attack caused significant damage to the deck, bridge, and engine room of the ship, resulting in water entering the compartments. Nevertheless, all 27 crew members were reported to be safe without injuries.

The Altura, sailing under the flag of Sierra Leone, is part of the network of tankers used by Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions related to the invasion of Ukraine. According to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), the vessel routinely transports Russian oil to India and Georgia. The Altura itself has been on the sanctions list of Ukraine and Switzerland since 2025, and the UK since early 2026.

This incident occurs amid increasing efforts by European countries to crack down on Russia’s shadow fleet. France and Belgium have reportedly conducted operations to seize illegal tankers in recent months. Indeed, as of 25 March, the UK has granted authority to its armed forces and law enforcement to board Russian shadow fleet vessels passing through their waters. (The Kyiv Independent/B-3)