Discover the Coast-Buster: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant escalation of conflicts in the region, Ukraine's military targeted the oil terminal located at the strategic Black Sea port of Tuapse on the night of November 1, 2025. This assault resulted in damages to the terminal's loading facility and impacted multiple vessels, including the Aframax tanker 'Pollux' (IMO: 9243320), the 'Coast Buster', and the Turkish product tanker 'Chai' (IMO: 9275402). Utilizing piston-engined drones, reminiscent of Ukraine's long-range UAV operations, the attack ignited at least three fires on the pier and aboard several moored vessels. Notably, NASA's FIRMS satellite fire detection data identified a significant infrared signature from the facility, clearly observable from space, underscoring the strike's intensity. Eyewitness accounts reported persistent tracer fire from air defense systems continuing well into the daylight hours of November 2, indicating that the repercussions of the attack were still unfolding after initial impacts. The incident also led to a considerable oil spill in the surrounding waters. This assault is not an isolated event; the terminal had suffered a previous attack in late September when a combination of aerial and surface drones led to breaches in Russian defenses, including a striking incident involving a suicide drone boat that reached a loading pier. The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt maritime operations in the Black Sea region, with comprehensive coverage available through photos and videos on [Maritime Executive](https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/ukraine-hits-oil-pier-at-port-of-tuapse-in-long-range-drone-attack).

In a remarkable display of courage and skill, the Royal Canadian Air Force successfully conducted a long-range medevac operation on February 13, 2021, rescuing injured sailors from the tanker Atlantas II. The vessel, which had set sail from Vysotsk and was en route to New York, made a distress call to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Halifax, prompting immediate assistance. Initially deemed out of range, the situation changed as the tanker reached a point allowing the Air Force to mobilize a helicopter for the mission. The Air Force helicopter was dispatched to cover a staggering distance of 280 miles in treacherous conditions. Upon arrival, they encountered high winds reaching speeds of 40 mph and formidable seas estimated at 20 to 25 feet, adding complexity to the already challenging rescue operation. Despite the adverse weather, the helicopter's skilled pilots maintained a steady position above the Atlantas II, allowing for a meticulous extraction. A flight engineer operated the hoist to lower two technicians onto the deck of the tanker, where they assessed the situation before preparing the injured sailors for recovery. Once the extraction was complete, the helicopter transported the sailors to a hospital in St. John's, where they were reported to be in stable condition. For further details and visual coverage of this daring rescue operation, watch the video report here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/video-canadian-air-force-performs-long-range-medevac-from-tanker.

In a significant move within the maritime sector, BP has finalized a new charter agreement for a vessel with BB-Charter, locking in a rate of $7,500 per day. This contract spans a duration of two years, marking a strategic enhancement of BP's operational capabilities at sea. The deal underscores BP's commitment to maintaining a robust fleet as it continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the industry.