Two oil tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet were rocked by explosions in the Black Sea near Turkey’s Bosphorus strait on Friday, sparking fires and rescue operations, Turkish authorities confirmed.
The 274-metre-long tanker Kairos, sailing under the Gambian flag, suffered an explosion and caught fire while en route from Egypt to Russia’s Novorossiysk port. Turkey’s Transport Ministry said two fast rescue boats, a tugboat, and an emergency response vessel were dispatched, and all 25 crew members were safely evacuated.
According to Turkey’s Maritime Affairs Directorate, the Kairos reported “an external impact” about 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast. Shipping agency Tribeca later suggested the vessel may have struck a drifting mine and was at risk of sinking.
A second tanker, Virat, was reportedly hit some 35 nautical miles further east. Heavy smoke was detected in its engine room, but all 20 crew members were reported safe. Rescue units and a nearby commercial vessel were sent to assist.
Both tankers are listed among ships subject to international sanctions against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to LSEG data.
The Black Sea has seen repeated incidents of vessels striking mines in recent years, with several reported drifting in the area. Despite Friday’s blasts, shipping traffic through the Bosphorus strait continued uninterrupted, officials said.
