Trending Now - Greek Oil Tanker Attacked in Black Sea Amid Shipping Disruptions

WHO:

Greek Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias

U.S. oil giant Chevron

24 crew members of the Greek-flagged oil tanker Maran Homer

WHAT:

A Greek oil tanker, the Maran Homer, was damaged in a suspected drone attack.

The attack caused material damage but did not threaten the vessel’s seaworthiness.

The tanker was traveling from Thessaloniki to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and was due to sail on to Istanbul.

WHERE:

Black Sea

Russian port of Novorossiysk

Thessaloniki, Greece

Istanbul, Turkey

WHEN:

The attack occurred on Saturday, March 12th, 2026.

WHY:

Kikilias stated that the attack could be related to a U.S. decision to temporarily ease some sanctions on Russian oil shipments due to volatility caused by the Iran war.

Kikilias described the targeting of vessels flying the Greek flag as "unacceptable and extremely dangerous."

HOW:

The tanker was struck by a missile or drone while approaching the port.

(UPDATED March 14, 2026 19:12 UTC)

A Greek oil tanker, the Maran Homer, was damaged in a suspected drone attack while approaching the Russian port of Novorossiysk on Saturday, March 12, 2026. Greek Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias reported that, although the attack caused material damage, it did not threaten the vessel’s seaworthiness, and he condemned the targeting of Greek-flagged vessels as "unacceptable and extremely dangerous." The tanker was en route from Thessaloniki to Novorossiysk and was scheduled to continue on to Istanbul, with Kikilias suggesting the attack might be linked to a recent U.S. decision to ease some sanctions on Russian oil shipments amid ongoing tensions related to the Iran war.