A Greek-owned tanker was attacked near the port of Novorossiysk, in , without any injuries to the crew, the Minister of Shipping announced today, Saturday 14/3.
Speaking to ERTNews, Mr. Kikilias reported that the incident occurred in the morning hours when the Greek-flagged ship was hit while it was about 14 nautical miles off Novorossiysk. The tanker is chartered by and its crew includes 24 sailors, 10 of whom are Greek.
According to the minister, all the sailors are in good health, while the attack caused only material damage to the right side of the ship. As estimated, the strike was carried out with a small missile or drone.
Mr. Kikilias noted that the incident may be connected to the pressures exerted in the region, but also to the recent decisions that allow for a limited time the circulation of Russian oil. At the same time, he announced that he has already informed the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis.
He also emphasized that the Greek side will proceed with a strong protest and raise the issue at the European level, underlining that the targeting of ships with the Greek flag and Greek sailors is “unacceptable and extremely dangerous”.
“Greek sailors and Greek shipping are doing their job and should be out of political confrontations and, much more, out of military conflicts,” he noted.
