A Greek-owned tanker flying the Greek flag, belonging to the interests of Maria Angelicoussis, was struck by a missile while it was about 14 nautical miles off the port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea.

According to reports, the incident caused only material damage to the right side of the ship, with no injuries or danger to the crew members.

There are 24 sailors on board the vessel in total: 10 Greeks, 13 Filipinos, and one Romanian. All are in good health, and the situation on the ship is described as under control.

The tanker belongs to the shipping company Maran Gas Maritime and, according to the same sources, it was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident.

Despite the strike, the ship remains operational and continues its course under its own power, without the need for assistance or towing.

The circumstances under which the incident occurred are being investigated, while the event comes during a period of heightened tension and risks for navigation in the wider Black Sea region.

Vasilis Kikilias: The situation concerns and worries me

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, speaking to ERTNews, referred to the incident.

“The situation concerns me and worries me,” the minister added, estimating that the attack on the ship is related to the decisions recently taken regarding the partial liberalization of Russian oil.

As he added, Greece will strongly protest both at the level of the European Council and wherever necessary over this unacceptable and very dangerous targeting of Greek ships. Shipping, he stressed, should remain outside any interests. “Without global shipping, there can be no trade,” Mr. Kikilias noted.

Mr. Kikilias also added that no Greek sailor has requested to return from the war zone. If such a request occurs, he clarified, there is an automated mechanism in place to make it happen immediately. However, “I see calmness, I see professionalism,” he emphasized, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.