Russian Tanker Midvolga 2 Attacked by Drone in Black Sea, Turkish Authorities Report

Tanker Midvolga 2 Targeted Off Turkish Coast

Turkish authorities reported on Tuesday that the Russian-flagged tanker Midvolga 2 came under a drone attack in the Black Sea. The incident occurred approximately 80 nautical miles (about 140 kilometers) off the Turkish coast while the vessel was en route from Russia to Georgia, carrying a cargo of sunflower oil. The Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs confirmed the attack via a statement on X.

The Midvolga 2, a 2014-built chemical/oil products tanker with an IMO number of 9735139, had 13 crew members aboard. Turkish officials stated that there were no injuries to the crew and the vessel did not request assistance, continuing its journey towards the Turkish port of Sinop.

Details of the Drone Attack and Damage

Russia's federal agency for sea and river navigation, Rosmorrechflot, later confirmed that the Midvolga 2 was struck by a drone. Maritime security firm Ambrey also indicated that the attack was 'highly likely' carried out by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), based on imagery showing the aftermath.

The tanker sustained minor damage to its superstructure, specifically the wheelhouse, with reports of a hole punched into the roof of the bridge and shrapnel impacts. Despite the damage, no water leaks were reported, and the vessel maintained its course.

Escalating Concerns for Black Sea Shipping Safety

This incident marks the third attack on a vessel linked to Russian trade in the Black Sea since late last week, significantly escalating concerns about commercial shipping safety in the region amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Previously, two other tankers, the Kairos and Virat, were reportedly hit by Ukrainian naval drones on November 28, with Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claiming responsibility for those strikes. These vessels were identified as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' involved in transporting Russian oil.

Following the attack on the Midvolga 2, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, denied any Ukrainian involvement, suggesting that Russia might have staged the incident. He also questioned the logic of the reported route through Turkey's exclusive economic zone.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously condemned the earlier drone attacks as a 'worrying escalation,' stating that Turkey 'cannot under any circumstances accept these attacks' and that the war now 'threatens the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.' The repeated incidents are contributing to a rise in war-risk insurance rates for vessels operating in the area.