Russian shadow fleet oil tanker damaged in drone attack off Turkey coast | World News
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of drone attacks on Russian shadow fleet vessels. (Photo: Marinetraffic)
A Russia-bound oil tanker suffered a drone attack in the Black Sea on Wednesday, due to which it had to seek Turkish coastguard assance and divert from its course.
Russian oil tanker hit
The Palau-flagged vessel Elbus is said to have “experienced an unmanned marine-vehicle and drone attack” targeting its engine room, and that no injuries were reported among the 25 crew, nor any pollution.
Turkish media outlet Ortadoğu reports that on January 7 the Russian shadow fleet tanker “Elbus” while being 30 miles off the Turkish coast near the Abana drict was struck a drone. The ship was heading to Russian port of Novorossiysk. pic.twitter.com/759l1juKB4— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) January 8, 2026
Elbus was built in 2005 and was previously known as Euroleader, among other names.
The vessel was headed to the Russian port of Novorossiysk from Singapore when it was hit.
Russian state broadcaster NTV confirmed the attack on the Russia-linked vessel.
Following the attack, Elbus has been anchored at İnebolu for inspection the Turkish Coast Guard, which will conduct a damage assessment.
The Russian tanker “ELBUS” has been struck a drone just north of Turkey. pic.twitter.com/ScB5fWHSws— ayden (@squatsons) January 8, 2026
Reuters, citing security sources, reported that it was unclear who or what was behind the drone attack.Story continues below this ad
Drone attacks on Russian tankers
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of drone attacks on Russian shadow fleet vessels, mostly in the Black Sea.
In December alone, at least four Russian oil tankers were hit drone attacks. In November, Ukrainian naval drones had hit two Russia-bound tankers in the Black Sea.
The Black Sea is crucial for grain, oil and oil products shipping, and its waters are shared Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia and Romania.
