# Drone attacks on Greek-managed vessels in Black Sea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drone-attacks-on-greek-managed-vessels-in-black-sea
> Updated: 2026-08-18T14:40:31.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

A series of drone attacks has targeted Greek-managed vessels in the Black Sea near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

On August 16, the Suezmax tanker Skiros, which had loaded approximately 1 million barrels of Russian-origin crude oil, was struck by drones near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal. The attack hit the ship’s bridge area and caused a fire, though the Athens-based operator reported no crew injuries and no environmental contamination. This incident marked the first strike at the CPC terminal in nearly three weeks. While the CPC primarily exports Kazakh oil, Russian crude accounts for roughly 5% to 10% of its total exports. The strike occurred despite previous reports that Ukraine had agreed to avoid targeting CPC infrastructure and non-Russian vessels, provided they were not under sanctions and were not carrying Russian cargo.

Following this, the bulk carrier ‘Anna S’, owned by Neptune Tradebulk Inc., was struck five times by drones approximately 20 nautical miles from the coast. The attacks resulted in a large fire and extensive damage; the current status of the vessel remains uncertain, and it is unknown if it has sunk. The 21-member crew, including 20 Filipinos and one Romanian captain, successfully abandoned the vessel and were rescued by the bulk carrier ‘Elina B’. However, five hours later, the ‘Elina B’—managed by AB Maritime Inc.—was also targeted by two drones. The ‘Elina B’ remained operational and continued toward a Turkish port after safely transporting the rescued crew.

## Claims

- The Greek tanker Skiros was attacked in the Black Sea after loading Russian oil at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- There were no crew injuries or oil spills resulting from the attack. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The Skiros was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Ukraine previously agreed to avoid targeting CPC infrastructure and non-Russian vessels unless they carried Russian cargo or were under sanctions. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Skiros is a Suezmax tanker managed by an Athens-based company. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The tanker was hit multiple times by Ukrainian drones. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A Ukrainian military spokesperson stated they had no information to comment on the incident. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Black Sea drone attacks target Greek-owned vessels

Greek-owned vessels ‘Anna S’ and ‘Elina B’ faced consecutive drone attacks in the Black Sea near Novorossiysk, resulting in significant damage and a crew rescue operation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/black-sea-drone-attacks-target-greek-owned-vessels

### 2026-08-17: Greek tanker Skiros attacked in Black Sea after loading Russian oil

The Greek tanker Skiros was struck by drones in the Black Sea after loading Russian oil at the CPC terminal near Novorossiysk. No injuries or oil spills were reported.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-managed-tanker-skiros-attacked-in-black-sea

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Cite as: Drone attacks on Greek-managed vessels in Black Sea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drone-attacks-on-greek-managed-vessels-in-black-sea