Russian tanker Kairos damaged by drone strike drifts near Bulgaria and requests assistance

The tanker Kairos, which was attacked on 28 November, is now under constant monitoring by Bulgaria’s Maritime Administration Agency (MAA) and by naval and police forces due to heavy sea conditions.

There is no cargo on board. The MAA said the vessel failed to respond to communication requests when entering Bulgarian waters. It later sent a request to evacuate 10 people.

The Turkish side released images showing a large fire at the moment of impact, likely caused by engine fuel.

Rescue operations are currently impossible due to adverse weather conditions, the MAA noted.

"Services continue their efforts to provide assistance and ensure safety," the Bulgarian Maritime Administration Agency said.

Two tugboats are also fully prepared to join the operation.

Drone attacks on Russia's 'shadow fleet' tankers

RBC-Ukraine, citing Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) sources, previously reported that two tankers from Russia’s "shadow fleet" - Kairos and Virat - were struck by SBU Sea Baby drones equipped with an enhanced warhead.

This was a joint operation by the SBU’s 13th Military Counterintelligence Directorate and the Ukrainian Navy.

Earlier, explosions were reported on two tankers belonging to Russia’s "shadow fleet" in the Black Sea near the Bosporus Strait, causing fires on the vessels.

Regarding the 274-meter Kairos, Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport clarified that an explosion and fire occurred on board as it was sailing from Egypt to the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The incident occurred 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.

Another tanker, Virat, was damaged by an explosion approximately 35 nautical miles off Türkiye’s coast, slightly farther east in the Black Sea.