Türkiye expressed deep concern over an attack on the Sierra Leone-flagged crude oil tanker ALTURA, operated by a Turkish company, warning that the incident highlights rising risks to navigation and security in the Black Sea.
“We are deeply concerned over the attack carried out in the Black Sea against the Sierra Leone-flagged crude oil tanker ALTURA, operated by a Turkish company,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keçeli said on social media platform X.
Keçeli said that inspections and technical interventions had been carried out following the attack, and that all 27 Turkish crew members on board are in good health. He stressed that such incidents, occurring within the Black Sea exclusive economic zone and violating international law, pose serious threats to life, property, navigation, and environmental safety in the region.
The spokesperson added that Türkiye remains in contact with relevant parties to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Black Sea. Keçeli also noted that Türkiye reserves the right to take necessary measures under international law to protect its economic interests and activities in the region.