Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has said that the explosion of an oil tanker carrying 140 tons of cargo was caused by external interference, APA’s local bureau reports.
The minister noted that the possibility of an underwater attack is being investigated.
“Possibilities related to an underwater attack are being evaluated. Our technical teams have been dispatched to the scene. They will determine this in the coming hours. We will provide a more precise statement after the investigation. But at this stage, we can say that this was an explosion caused by interference. Specifically targeting the engine section, the aim is to completely disable the vessel,” he said.
Note that a crude oil tanker named "ALTURA" belonging to Türkiye was hit by a drone in the Black Sea. The tanker, which departed from Russia carrying 140,000 tons of crude oil, came under a drone attack in the Black Sea about 15 miles from the Bosphorus Strait. A powerful explosion occurred during the incident. Damage was recorded on the ship’s deck and bridge. It was also reported that water filled the vessel as a result of the serious consequences. It was noted that the condition of the 27-member Turkish crew on board is good.
