Turkish Minister of Transportation: Oil tanker stranded in the Black Sea likely attacked by unmanned boats

Regarding the explosion caused by an attack on a Turkish oil tanker in the Black Sea on the early morning of the 26th, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Adil Karaismailolu, stated that based on initial assessments, the attack was likely carried out by unmanned underwater vehicles, rather than the previously claimed drones. A team of technical experts has been dispatched to the scene to conduct a detailed investigation and technological assessment of the damage to the ship and the attack fragments. Karaismailolu stated that the explosion occurred in the engine room of the oil tanker. "We believe that the attackers specifically targeted the engine room in order to completely disable the ship." He described this as a possible "deliberate and premeditated" external attack. When asked if this attack was related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Karaismailolu stated, "Based on the current situation, there is a possibility." He added that because the ship was carrying crude oil rather than dry bulk cargo, it faced higher navigation risks.