Turkish tanker management firm Besiktas Shipping announced on Wednesday that it would suspend all operations related to Russia, following an incident where one of its vessels was affected by multiple explosions near the coast of Senegal.

The company stated, “We have made the decision to stop all shipping activities linked to Russian interests. Effective immediately, we will refrain from any voyages associated with Russia.”

The Mersin, a tanker registered under the Panamanian flag and managed by Besiktas, was reportedly struck by four explosions while anchored off Dakar last Thursday, carrying nearly 39,000 tons of fuel. Despite water infiltrating the engine room, the crew managed to control the situation without causing injuries or environmental harm, the company noted.

This decision to pause operations tied to Russia coincides with Turkey’s report of three tankers linked to Russia being attacked in the Black Sea in the past few days.

A source from Ukrainian security informed AFP that naval drones targeted two of these vessels on Friday, alleging they were involved in the “covert transportation of Russian oil.”

In response to these attacks, President Vladimir Putin criticized them as “piracy” and cautioned that Moscow might retaliate by targeting Ukrainian ports and ships.

“I trust that the military and political leadership of Ukraine, along with their supporters, will reconsider whether this course of action is worth pursuing,” Putin remarked to reporters on Thursday.

Besiktas emphasized that it has adhered to Western sanctions, including the oil price-cap mechanism aimed at Russian exports, but indicated that the security situation has “significantly worsened,” making the risks to its vessels and crews “unsustainable.”

“Our foremost priority is the safety of our personnel and assets, which is why we are ceasing all such operations,” the company declared.

While the Mersin is not subject to UN or EU sanctions, two other vessels owned by Besiktas are under Ukrainian sanctions.