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A Chinese-owned and managed crude oil tanker has diverted to Turkey after reporting it was struck by a suspected drone while sailing in the Black Sea, according to regional media and maritime authorities.
The 159,000-dwt tanker Elbus was transiting in ballast along the Turkish coast and was reportedly bound for the Russian oil terminal at Novorossiysk when it issued a distress call on Wednesday, 7 January, stating that it had been hit and sustained damage.
Following the incident, the vessel altered course and diverted to Turkey, arriving at the Black Sea port of Inebolu on Thursday and is now in anchorage. Footage broadcast by Turkish television showed the tanker alongside with a Turkish Coast Guard vessel standing by.
Initial reports suggested the tanker might require towing assistance, but later information indicated that the Elbus reached Inebolu under its own power. Authorities confirmed that no crew members were injured and that no pollution was detected following the incident.
Details of the alleged strike remain unclear. Conflicting accounts have circulated regarding the point of impact, with some reports suggesting damage near the engine room, while others indicated the upper structure may have been affected. Officials also cautioned that images circulating online shortly after the incident may be misleading.
Local authorities said the vessel will undergo a detailed inspection in port to assess the extent of the damage and determine the nature of the incident. The source of the suspected attack has not been officially identified.
Built in 2005, the Elbus sails under the flag of Palau and was acquired by a Chinese company in November 2025. The tanker is not listed on U.S., UK, or EU sanctions registers, according to available records. AIS data from ShipAltas shows the vessel had recently arrived from Singapore prior to the reported incident.
Investigations are ongoing, and further information is expected once inspections are completed.
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