On March 14, a Greek tanker, the Maran Homer, was struck near the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The vessel, chartered by the American oil company Chevron, sustained material damage but no injuries were reported among the 24 crew members on board.
The Maran Homer was en route from the Greek port of Thessaloniki to Novorossiysk when the incident occurred in the morning hours. The crew consisted of 10 Greeks, 13 Filipinos, and one Romanian, all of whom were reported to be in good health following the strike.
Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias addressed the incident during a broadcast on state television, suggesting that the attack could be linked to heightened tensions in the region and recent decisions regarding the partial resumption of Russian oil shipments.
“This strike is believed to be part of the pressure exerted by countries in the region, and it may also relate to decisions made about the partial allowance for the transportation of Russian oil over the past month,” he stated.
Kikilias informed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis about the situation. He indicated that Greece would raise the matter at the European Council if necessary.
The minister condemned the attacks on vessels flying the Greek flag or operated by Greek crews, labeling them as “unacceptable and very dangerous.” The incident highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region, particularly concerning maritime safety and the transportation of energy resources.
A Greek tanker was struck near Novorossiysk, Russia, raising concerns about regional tensions and maritime safety. The incident, involving no injuries, underscores ongoing geopolitical issues related to oil transportation.