War-damaged tankers Banda and Grace Romavictor driven ashore in Turkey by Black Sea storm

The Liberian-flagged crude tanker Banda was driven ashore near Kısırkaya, in the Sarıyer district on Istanbul's Black Sea coast just west of the Bosphorus, on 15 October, after her anchor dragged in a severe storm. It was the second war-damaged tanker to ground on the Turkish coast that week.

The Turkish Coast Guard said the 2007-built ship, 238 metres long and of 105,576 dwt, "lost control due to the strong winds and rough seas in the area". Her six crew, all Turkish, were reported in good health and did not ask for assistance. The coast guard sent its 82-metre patrol vessel Nene Hatun to the scene. Some reports suggest hull damage, which has not been confirmed, and the authorities expect to refloat the ship once the storm has passed.

How did Banda come to be off Istanbul?

The Security Service of Ukraine targeted Banda on 14 July about 70 nautical miles south-west of Novorossiysk, as she approached a terminal in ballast to load crude. Ukraine said the tanker had carried Russian crude from Ust-Luga, Kerch, Novorossiysk and Nakhodka. The strike near the stern caused a heavy explosion and fire, flooded the engine room and left the ship without power.

Tsavliris began towing her on 17 July and boarded on 22 July to begin repairs, stabilising the ship, installing a portable generator and repairing the accommodation block. She was delivered to a Turkish anchorage on 19 August. Turkish authorities have indicated a further strike on 2 September but have given no details.

What happened to Grace Romavictor?

Three days earlier, on Monday 12 October, the Liberian-flagged product tanker Grace Romavictor, 49,990 dwt, grounded in the Cilingoz nature reserve north-west of Istanbul. She had been abandoned after a Ukrainian drone attack on 31 August and was under tow by the Cameroon-flagged Athletic, of 571 dwt, when heavy swell and winds of up to 80 km/h parted the towline. Athletic took shelter at Igneada. The tanker, operated by Grace Energy, is reported to be empty of cargo, and further towing is planned.

Turkey has dealt with several war casualties washing up on its Black Sea coast since Ukraine began its campaign against shipping this summer. It is working to restore safe passage for merchant ships, and Bulgaria and Romania are joining efforts to secure either a moratorium on attacks or a protected shipping lane. The capesize Emil, hit more than two months ago, is still adrift.

This story is part of the Maritime Briefing of 18 October 2026.