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Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Hit by Drone Off Turkish Coast

Published January 8, 2026, 17:15
Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Hit by Drone Off Turkish Coast

A Russian tanker, the ELBUS, flying the flag of Palau and linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet', was attacked by a drone in the Black Sea, approximately 30 miles off the Turkish coast. The vessel was en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk to load oil. The attack caused significant damage to the upper deck of the tanker, which is now being towed to the port of Inebolu, Turkey, for repairs. There are no reports of casualties or missing persons. The ELBUS has been connected to Russia's 'shadow fleet', which is used to circumvent international sanctions and continue oil exports. This attack suggests an escalation of attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, as well as the increasing use of drones in naval warfare. The incident is expected to exacerbate geopolitical tensions in the region and raise questions about the safety of maritime transport.