Greek-Interest Tanker Reportedly Struck by Drone While Loading Oil Off Novorossiysk
A Greek-interest crude oil tanker was reportedly struck by an aerial drone on 16 August 2026 while loading oil offshore from Novorossiysk, Russia, in the Black Sea, according to a maritime security update.
The vessel has been identified as likely the Liberia-flagged SKIROS (IMO 9390628). Vessel-tracking databases identify SKIROS as a Suezmax crude oil tanker built in 2009, measuring approximately 275 metres in length with a deadweight of about 159,000 tonnes. Current vessel data also places the tanker in the Black Sea and identifies Liberia as its flag state.
According to the security report, the incident occurred while the tanker was loading oil offshore from Novorossiysk. An aerial drone reportedly conducted an initial pass over the area before approaching the tanker and striking the vessel’s bridge, resulting in a fire onboard.
The incident highlights the growing exposure of commercial shipping operating around major Russian Black Sea oil-export facilities. Novorossiysk and its offshore loading infrastructure remain strategically important to regional crude-oil movements, making vessels operating in the area increasingly exposed to the wider security risks associated with the ongoing conflict.
Vanguard Operations stated that its dedicated team is continuing to monitor developments in the region and port area and will provide further notification of incidents as information becomes available.
At present, the available report does not provide confirmed information on crew casualties, the extent of structural damage, pollution, or the operational status of the tanker following the reported strike. These details should therefore be treated as unconfirmed until additional information is released.
The reported incident also comes against a backdrop of previous drone attacks affecting tankers and oil infrastructure around Novorossiysk. In July, a drone attack near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal reportedly caused a fire aboard the Greek-interest tanker Nissos Sifnos, demonstrating the continuing security challenges faced by commercial tankers operating around the Black Sea oil-export hub.