ALTURA Attack on Crude Oil Tanker (2026)

ALTURA crude oil tanker attack is a maritime attack reported to have occurred on 26 March 2026 in the Black Sea approximately 14 nautical miles from the Bosporus Strait, targeting a Turkish-operated crude oil tanker. The attack is said to have involved an external explosion directed at the ship’s engine room, with no casualties or injuries reported. Following the attack, the tanker was anchored off Kilyos, north of Istanbul, under security precautions.

The tanker named "Altura" attacked in the Black Sea, anchored off Kilyos, 28 March 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Vessel and Voyage Information

The tanker named ALTURA, flying the flag of Sierra Leone and operated by a Turkish company, was en route from Novorossiysk Port in Russia to Istanbul when it was attacked. It is reported that the tanker was carrying approximately 140,000 tons of crude oil, with a length of 274 metres and a width of 50 metres. All 27 crew members on board are Turkish citizens, and their health status is reported to be good.

Course of the Attack

On the night of 26 March 2026, as the tanker approached the Bosporus Strait, it issued a distress call reporting the attack. According to official statements, the attack took the form of an explosion targeting the engine room.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated regarding the attack: “We believe the engine room was specifically targeted. This could have been carried out by an unmanned maritime vehicle, not a drone attack. It may have occurred at or below sea level; our technical teams have been dispatched to the scene. This was a deliberate external explosion aimed at disabling the vessel entirely by striking the engine room.” The same statement assessed that the attack may have been carried out by an unmanned maritime vehicle.

Post-Attack Response and Security Measures

Following the attack report, units from the Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Command and the General Directorate of Coastal Security were deployed to the area. The teams secured the site and conducted inspections aboard the vessel. Since the tanker did not request evacuation, it remained in the vicinity for a period before being escorted by the Coast Guard to the Turkeli Anchorage Area off Kilyos, Sarıyer. Security forces have been deployed around the vessel as a precaution, and the situation is being closely monitored.

The tanker named "Altura" attacked in the Black Sea, anchored off Kilyos, 28 March 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Official Statements and Diplomatic Reactions

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Öncü Keçeli stated regarding the attack: “We are deeply concerned by the attack on the Sierra Leone-flagged and Turkish-operated crude oil tanker named ‘ALTURA’ in the Black Sea.” The statement also confirmed that relevant institutions are continuing technical investigations and that the health of the crew remains good.

Keçeli further noted that the attack occurred within Türkiye’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea and constitutes a violation of international law, emphasizing that such actions pose serious risks to human life, property, navigation and environmental security. The statement also affirmed that Türkiye reserves the right to take necessary measures under the framework of international law to protect its economic activities in the region.