Black Sea: fire on two tankers from "shadow float"

On November 29, two tankers from the Russian "shadow float",KairosandVirat, which appears on international sanctioning lists, reported explosions and fires during the crossing of the Black Sea. Both units were located at the time of notification near the Turkish coast — 28 and 35 nautical miles from land, respectively.

Crew reports and initial rescue operations

According to reports from Turkish media yesterday crewKairos reported a strong explosionand fire during the transition from Egypt to New Russian. Two rescue boats and a tugboat were sent to the unit, and 25 people from the crew were evacuated. According to the authorities, no one was injured.

A moment later, the tanker crew.Virat, located further in the eastern waters of the Black Sea, reported the sudden appearance of dense smoke in the gym. There were 20 people on board. According to the Turkish services, there was no need for immediate evacuation. Rescue units were also directed here.

Preliminary hypotheses and Media Transfers

Turkish media reports that the crewViratShe was supposed to report an attack on several unmanned vessels. In case ofKairosOn the other hand, it was reported that the tanker might have entered a drifting mine.Missing so far.official confirmation of these reports by the Turkish administration, which announced a detailed investigation.

More images and recordings of the effects of the explosion on theKairos, including a high smoke pole visible from a long distance. In the afternoon, Ukrainian official sources stated that they were responsible for hittingKairosandVirat. According to the information provided, the operation was carried out using SeaBaby's marine drones. However, the Communication did not contain technical data or details of the course of action.

During the following hours, the Turkish rescue units carried out operations in the area of both tankers, focusing on the management of the situation aroundKairosand state checkVirat. The priority was to secure crews and reduce the risk of further damage, especially in the machinery part and near fuel tanks.

Event background: Shadow fleet and circumvention

Both tankers belong to units purchased on the secondary market, often changing flags and shipowners. Ships of this type are used to transport Russian oil, circumventing restrictions imposed by the West.Their operation– due to age, lack of complete technical documentation and unstable surveillance of flag States – it can be opaque and subject to increased risk.

Turkey, as a State overseeing key routes in the Bosphorus and Dardanela region, stresses that it treats both incidents as events requiring urgent analysis due to the safety of shipping in the Black Sea.

Current situation at 30 November, 9:00 p.m.

According to available informationKairosremains under the supervision of Turkish services in the area of the incident, and the protective measures around the damaged stern portion of the tanker continue.Viratmaintain a position at a considerable distance from the coast and no further technical problems have been reported. Turkey stresses that the situation on both units is stable and the risk of fire or fuel spills being spread is currently assessed as small.