Ukraine’s Sea Drones Destroy Sanctioned Russian Tanker in Black Sea, Video

Ukrainian security forces struck a Russian tanker from the so-called shadow fleet on December 10, disabling the vessel during a covert maritime operation in the Black Sea, sources in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told RBK-Ukraine.

According to preliminary information, SBU maritime drones—Sea Baby—intercepted and attacked the tanker Dashan while it was moving at full speed with its transponder switched off. The vessel was operating under the flag of the Comoros Islands to conceal its true ownership.

The strike took place inside Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone as the tanker was heading toward the port terminal in Novorossiysk. Sources said the attack caused critical damage, taking the ship completely out of service. Footage shared with reporters shows several powerful explosions hitting the vessel.

The Dashan is valued at approximately $30 million, and on a single voyage it can carry up to $60 million worth of oil. The tanker has been targeted by multiple international sanctions, including measures imposed by Ukraine, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Switzerland.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Ukrainian Navy and the SBU’s 13th Directorate of Military Counterintelligence.

Earlier, it was reported that two Russian tankers involved in circumventing international sanctions on oil exports were reportedly disabled in a similar joint operation by the SBU and Ukrainian Navy.

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