ATHENS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- A Greek-flagged tanker was hit near Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk early Saturday, Greece's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias said.

Speaking to Greek national broadcaster ERT, Kikilias said the vessel sustained limited material damage, and all 24 sailors on board, including 10 Greeks, were safe.

The Greek government may raise the issue at the European level if necessary, he said, calling attacks on commercial vessels flying the Greek flag "unacceptable and extremely dangerous."

The vessel had departed from the northern Greek port of Thessaloniki without cargo and was scheduled to transport oil. It had been chartered by U.S. energy company Chevron.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the strike, which may have involved a drone or a small missile, Kikilias said, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the wider Black Sea region in recent months. ■