Sanctioned Oil Tanker Stranded Off Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast After Suspected Ukrainian Strike
The oil tanker Kairos has been stranded off the Black Sea port of Ahtopol, Bulgaria, after an alleged Ukrainian drone attack left it without power. The 274-meter vessel, which was sailing empty from Egypt to Russia, caught fire last week and was subsequently towed into Bulgarian territorial waters.
Efforts Underway to Evacuate Crew
Bulgarian maritime authorities have launched efforts to evacuate the crew of the Kairos, which is believed to be part of the “shadow fleet” used by Russia to evade international sanctions linked to its war in Ukraine. The 10-member crew, comprising individuals from different nationalities, are reportedly in good condition and have enough food and water for about three days.
Diplomatic Channels Needed
Rumen Nikolov, in charge of rescue operations at the Bulgarian Maritime Agency, emphasized that diplomatic channels must be established to determine why the tanker was brought into Bulgaria’s territorial waters. The empty tanker is stable despite bad weather, with no danger to either the crew or the environment.
Crew Compliant and Stable
Anton Zlatanov, head of border police, told Nova TV channel that communication has been established with the crew, who have complied with orders and dropped anchor. The ship is currently stable in a position off Ahtopol, with the crew expressing their desire to be evacuated. Zlatanov noted that the tanker is being monitored by a radio communication system, thermal cameras from the shore, and a radar system, while communication with the crew is being maintained.
Background on Sanctioned Tanker
The Kairos was sanctioned by the EU in July this year, followed by the U.K. and Switzerland. The ship, which was built in 2002, entered Bulgaria’s territorial waters on Friday under tow by a Turkish vessel before the mission was abruptly abandoned, leaving the tanker to drift across the sea without power.
Conclusion
The stranding of the Kairos off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s use of sanctions-evading vessels. As authorities work to evacuate the crew and stabilize the situation, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding international sanctions and their impact on global trade.
Original Article: Sanctioned oil tanker is stranded off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast after suspected Ukrainian strike | Chattanooga Times Free Press — Timesfreepress