Stranded Oil Tanker Off Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast After Suspected Ukrainian Strike
Bulgarian maritime authorities launched efforts to evacuate the crew of the oil tanker Kairos, which is stranded off the Black Sea port of Ahtopol after a suspected Ukrainian strike. The 274-meter vessel, previously flagged as Panamanian, Greek, and Liberian, was sanctioned by the EU in July this year, followed by the U.K. and Switzerland.
The Kairos caught fire last week after an alleged attack with Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea near the Turkish coast. It was sailing empty from Egypt toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk at the time. The ship entered Bulgaria’s territorial waters on Friday under tow by a Turkish vessel, but the mission was abruptly abandoned, leaving the tanker to drift across the sea without power.
Crew in Good Condition; Evacuation Efforts Underway
Rumen Nikolov, in charge of rescue operations at the Bulgarian Maritime Agency, stated that it is essential to establish through diplomatic channels why the tanker was brought into Bulgaria’s territorial waters. Despite the bad weather, the empty tanker remains stable, and there is no danger to either the crew or the environment. The 10 crew members, of different nationalities, are in good condition and have enough food and water for about three days.
Nikolov added that when the weather calms down, the ship will be towed to a safe place. The head of border police, Anton Zlatanov, told Nova TV channel that communication was established with the crew, who had complied with orders and dropped anchor. The ship is currently stable in a position off Ahtopol.
Monitoring Efforts Underway
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. The Bulgarian authorities are working to ensure the safe evacuation of the crew and the stable condition of the ship.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the efforts of international organizations to enforce sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet.
Original Article: Sanctioned oil tanker is stranded off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast after suspected Ukrainian strike – myMotherLode.com — Mymotherlode