Russian Tankers Damaged in Black Sea Blasts
Two Russian “shadow fleet” tankers were damaged by blasts in the Black Sea near Turkey’s Bosphorus on November 28, sparking fires and rescue operations, according to Turkish authorities.
The first vessel, the 274-meter Kairos, reported an “external impact” before an explosion ignited a fire about 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast as it sailed from Egypt toward Novorossiysk. Turkey dispatched rescue boats, a tug, and an emergency response vessel, successfully evacuating all 25 crew members.
Crew Evacuated Amid Rescue Efforts
The Kairos’s crew was safely removed from the scene, with no reported injuries or fatalities. The Turkish authorities’ swift response ensured the timely evacuation of the crew, minimizing any potential risks to their safety.
Farther east, the tanker Virat was also reportedly struck around 35 nautical miles offshore. Heavy smoke filled its engine room, but all 20 crew members remained in good condition as rescue units and a nearby commercial ship responded.
Sanctioned Tankers Involved in Incidents
Both tankers are on sanctions lists tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Initial reports suggest Kairos may have hit a drifting mine, consistent with past incidents in the region, though the cause has not been confirmed. The Virat‘s circumstances remain unclear, but its involvement in the incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding these sanctioned vessels.
Despite the emergencies, shipping traffic through the Bosphorus continued uninterrupted.
Original Article: Two sanctioned tankers struck in the Black Sea — Safety4Sea