Türkiye Condemns Black Sea Tanker Attack, Warns of Rising Maritime Risks

Türkiye has condemned an attack on the crude oil tanker ALTURA in the Black Sea, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to maritime and environmental safety. Oncu Keceli confirmed that all 27 crew members are safe, while authorities continue to assess the situation and monitor rising risks linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Türkiye has voiced deep concern following an attack in the Black Sea targeting the crude oil tanker ALTURA, a vessel operated by a Turkish company, describing the incident as a serious threat to regional stability and maritime security.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said the tanker, sailing under the Sierra Leone flag, was struck within Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone. He noted that the incident prompted an immediate response from relevant national institutions, which carried out detailed inspections and technical interventions to assess the extent of the damage and secure the vessel.
Keceli confirmed that all 27 Turkish crew members on board are safe and in good health, providing some relief amid concerns about the safety of personnel operating in increasingly volatile waters. Despite this, he stressed that the attack underscores the growing risks faced by commercial shipping in the region.
He emphasized that such acts constitute a violation of international law and pose serious dangers not only to human life and property but also to maritime navigation and environmental safety. Any disruption involving oil tankers, he noted, carries the added risk of ecological damage, which could have far-reaching consequences for the Black Sea and surrounding coastal areas.
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has already had significant security and economic implications for the wider Black Sea region. Türkiye has repeatedly warned about the potential for the conflict to spill over into international waters and affect neutral parties.
Keceli stated that Türkiye remains in close contact with relevant stakeholders and international partners in an effort to prevent further escalation and contain the situation. Diplomatic engagement, he suggested, is critical to ensuring that the conflict does not expand and disrupt vital maritime routes.
Türkiye has also reiterated that it is closely monitoring risks in the Black Sea, particularly those affecting trade, energy transportation, and regional security. The government has been assessing potential threats to its economic interests, especially given the strategic importance of the Black Sea for global shipping and energy supply chains.
Keceli added that Türkiye reserves the right to take all necessary measures within the framework of international law to protect its assets, personnel, and economic activities in the region. This includes safeguarding vessels operated by Turkish companies and ensuring the continued safety of maritime operations under its jurisdiction.
Authorities continue to evaluate the situation as investigations into the attack progress, with a focus on preventing further incidents and maintaining stability in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways.