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Tanker Damaged by Russian Attack Breaks Towline Prompting SAR Operation

Romanian search and rescue vessel
Romania organzied the search and rescue after the tug was damaged by the derelict tanker it was towing (ARSVOM)

By The Maritime Executive 2026-11-04 13:05:28

A product tanker damaged in September by a Russian attack has broken free of its tow, prompting a SAR operation and efforts to recapture the drifting vessel. Romanian officials reported the rescue of three crewmembers from one of the towing tugs, while Bulgaria reports it is monitoring the tanker as it drifts in the Black Sea.

The product tanker Mentor (13,000 dwt) was attacked off Odesa on September 24. The Ukrainian master of the vessel was killed in the strike by a Shahed-style drone while Ukraine evacuated the remaining crewmembers. The tanker registered in Antigua and Barbuda had remained at anchor, with reports that its bridge was burnt out from the attack.

Two Turkish tugs, Ramazan Bey (339 gross tons) and Ayaz Bey (317 gross tons), issued a distress call overnight while off the coast of Romania, towing the derelict tanker toward Turkey. According to the reports, the tugs encountered heavy seas during a Black Sea storm, and the towline parted. They reportedly were able to restore the line once, but in the process, the Ayaz Bey hit the tanker and was heavily damaged. Romanian officials said it was in danger of sinking.

The crew of the Ayaz Bey issued the distress call, and Romania dispatched rescue boats. Weather conditions, including heavy wind along with the very rough seas, prevented Romania from launching an aerial rescue. Three crewmembers from the tug were evacuated to a Dutch-flagged tugboat, Odin, which was also operating in the area. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania, however, reports four other crewmembers refused evacuation, saying they did not require assistance. They reportedly brought the damaged tug to an anchorage.

Bulgarian officials, however, report the Mentor is again drifting in the storm and approaching their waters. They ordered the second tug, Ramazan Bey, to stand by the drifting vessel while Bulgarian officials are coordinating a response to the situation.

According to reports from Bulgaria, the abandoned tanker is carrying 11,000 tons of sunflower oil. There is no crew aboard, and it is currently drifting in the Shabla region in northern Bulgaria, near the border with Romania.