The tanker Banda, flying the Liberian flag, has run aground off the coast of Turkey on October 14, 2023, due to severe storms. This tanker, currently located near Sarıyer, north of Istanbul, is recognized as a war-damaged vessel from the Ukraine conflict.
Incident Details
The tanker Banda, 238 meters long and 42 meters wide, lost control and was driven ashore due to strong winds and powerful waves. The Turkish Coast Guard has been informed of the incident and has dispatched to the location. Fortunately, six crew members of the tanker are in good condition, and it is expected that the tanker will be freed from the shore after the storm subsides.
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Background of the tanker Banda
The tanker Banda (gross weight 105,576 tons) was targeted in an attack by the Ukrainian security service on July 14, 2023, while approaching the port to load crude oil. Ukraine has claimed that this tanker has previously transported Russian crude oil from the ports of Ust-Luga, Kerch, Novorossiysk, and Nakhodka. Following this attack, the tanker sustained serious damage, including an explosion and fire in the rear section.
The salvage company Tsavliris, responsible for repairing and rescuing the tanker, began rescue operations on July 17, 2023, and started necessary repairs on July 22, 2023. This tanker was transferred to a Turkish anchorage on August 19, 2023.
Analysis of the Current Situation
Military attacks on tankers in the Black Sea have become a serious issue due to the existing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Some news sources have indicated that this tanker may have been targeted again, although no specific details have been provided. Turkish officials have stated that Banda may have been struck again on September 2, 2023, but no further information is available on this matter.
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