The Russian-linked oil tanker Qendil, part of “shadow fleet,” ran aground off Bozcaada Island in the Turkish Aegean Sea on 4 January.
The tanker, sailing empty from Aliağa to Yalova, reportedly dragged anchor amid strong southerly winds and grounded on rocks near Polente Lighthouse, approximately 100 meters offshore. Turkish maritime authorities dispatched the tugboats Kurtarma‑10 and Kurtarma‑16 to assist, and crews are monitoring the vessel’s hull while preparing for salvage operations.
No casualties were reported, and there were no signs of oil pollution, as the tanker was in ballast at the time.
The incident follows a Ukrainian drone strike in mid-December 2025, which targeted the Qendil in international waters off Libya, damaging the vessel.
Turkish authorities have warned of challenges in the Aegean Sea and Dardanelles approaches, a key corridor for regional shipping.
Salvage teams are assessing the safest way to refloat the vessel, while maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.