Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said that the oil tanker in the incident was Altura, flying the Sierra Leone flag, operated by a Turkish company. The Altura oil tanker was attacked in the Black Sea on March 26.
The spokesman confirmed that all 27 Turkish crew members on board were safe. Technical inspections and response measures are being carried out after the incident.
Mr. Keceli noted that the attack took place in Turkey's exclusive economic zone and constituted a violation of international law. He also expressed concern about maritime safety, environmental security and the protection of life and property in the region.
A spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry warned that events such as the attack on the oil tanker Altura increase the risk of further escalating conflict in the Black Sea, emphasizing the need to prevent escalation.
Spokesman Oncu Keceli said that Ankara is maintaining diplomatic contact with relevant parties and emphasized the preservation of the right to take necessary measures under international law to protect its interests and economic activities in the region.
According to ship tracking data, the Sierra Leone flagship ship was carrying crude oil leaving the Russian port of Novorossiysk.
In December 2025, Turkey recorded a series of security incidents related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that the Black Sea could become a zone of confrontation between warring parties.
