ASIATODAY.ID, ANKARA — Two Western-sanctioned oil tankers were struck by powerful explosions in the Black Sea on Friday, triggering fires, emergency evacuations, and renewed concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most volatile waterways.
Turkish authorities confirmed that both tankers — the Kairos and the Virat, each sailing under the Gambian flag — suffered major damage from what officials described as “external impact.”
The Kairos, en route to Russia’s Novorossiysk port, caught fire 28 nautical miles (51 km) off the Turkish coast. The Directorate General for Maritime Affairs said the blaze was likely caused by unspecified external factors.
All 25 crew members, most of them Chinese nationals, were safely rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard.
Video released by Turkish officials shows the tanker engulfed in towering flames, sending thick smoke into the sky.
Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that early information “indicated a possible mine strike,” emphasizing that initial assessments point to “external impact” rather than an internal malfunction.
Second Tanker ‘Virat’ Reports Drone Strike
The Virat was struck 35 nautical miles (65 km) off Türkiye’s coastline. According to local media, the crew reported they had been attacked by drones, prompting immediate rescue operations.
All 20 crew members were evacuated after authorities dispatched emergency vessels to the scene. Officials released photos showing a large hole torn into the tanker’s hull.
The Kairos and Virat were previously sanctioned by Western governments for transporting Russian oil in violation of international restrictions linked to the Ukraine conflict.
Moscow has consistently rejected allegations that it operates a so-called “shadow fleet.”
Black Sea Tensions Continue to Escalate
Since early this year, the Black Sea has remained a hotspot of maritime conflict, with Russia and Ukraine repeatedly targeting naval assets. Drifting sea mines — some traveling as far as the Bosphorus — have amplified the dangers faced by commercial vessels in the region.
The latest incidents have sparked renewed warnings about maritime safety and the risks posed to international shipping lanes. (RT)
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