The Greek-flagged tanker “Maran Homer” (oil tanker), owned by Maria Angelicoussi, was hit by a missile or small drone while approximately 14 nautical miles off the port of Novorossiysk, in the Black Sea.
According to information, the incident only caused material damage to the starboard side of the ship, with no injuries or danger to crew members.
There were a total of 24 sailors on board the ship, of whom 10 are Greek, 13 Filipinos and one Romanian. All are in good health, while the situation on the ship is described as controlled. They were saved at the last moment, being evacuated.
The tanker belongs to Maria Angelicoussi's Maran Gas Maritime company and, according to the same sources, was unloaded at the time of the incident, "Protothema" informs.
Despite the impact, the ship remains operational and will continue its course independently, without requiring assistance or towing.
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, as the event comes during a period of heightened tension and risks for shipping in the wider Black Sea region.
Speaking to Ertnews, the Minister of Maritime Transport and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, referred to the incident.
"The situation worries and concerns me," the minister added, adding that the attack on the ship is related to recent decisions on the partial release of Russian oil.
As he added, we will strongly protest at the level of the European Council and wherever necessary against this unacceptable and very dangerous targeting of Greek ships. Maritime transport must be out of any interest. “Without global maritime transport, there can be no trade,” stressed Kikilias.
The Ministry of Maritime Transport and Insular Policy also issued an update on the attack.
"An air attack with a missile or drone (UAV) on a Greek-flagged tanker with 24 crew members (10 Greeks – 13 Filipinos – 1 Romanian), in the maritime area 14 nm. off Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The incident caused only material damage to the starboard side of the ship. The ship is sailing independently and there has been no pollution. All crew members are in good health," the statement said.
