On the morning of April 29, a unit of the Ukrainian Navy successfully targeted the sanctioned tanker MARQUISE with maritime drones near Tuapse, Russia.
At the time of the strike, the tanker, which has a capacity of over 37,000 tons and flies the flag of Cameroon, was drifting and not carrying any cargo.
The vessel was located approximately 210 kilometers from Tuapse and was not transmitting an AIS signal, which is used for the identification and tracking of ships. It is believed that the MARQUISE was awaiting a cargo transfer at sea from another vessel.
The drones struck the stern of the tanker, causing an explosion in the area of the propulsion and steering systems, as well as the engine room. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.
“Ukrainian defense forces will continue to take systematic measures to halt the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine,” stated the General Staff.
The MARQUISE is subject to sanctions from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada, and has been used by Russian forces for the illegal transportation of oil products.
Russia has been utilizing maritime logistics not only for the export of energy resources but also for the removal of stolen assets from temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine.
Previously, at least eight sanctioned oil tankers have been reported to transit through the English Channel, despite the UK government’s commitment to combat the so-called “shadow fleet.”
The Ukrainian Navy has targeted the sanctioned tanker MARQUISE with maritime drones, highlighting ongoing military actions against Russian logistics. The vessel was reportedly awaiting a cargo transfer at the time of the strike.