Two tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet catch fire near Bosporus following explosions
Illustrative photo: oil tanker (Getty Images)
Explosions occurred on two tankers belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in the Black Sea near the Bosporus Strait, causing the ships to catch fire, Reuters informs.
On November 28, the tankers Kairos and Virat suffered explosions in the Black Sea near Türkiye’s Bosporus Strait. Fires broke out on both vessels, according to Turkish authorities and sources linked to maritime security.
Incident involving the tanker Kairos
Regarding the 274-meter tanker Kairos, Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport clarified that an explosion and fire occurred on board while it was sailing from Egypt to the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The incident took place 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport, the fire was caused by an "external impact." Reports indicate that Kairos, sailing under the Gambian flag and carrying no cargo, may have struck a mine. There is currently a risk of the vessel sinking.
Two high-speed rescue boats, a tug, and an emergency vessel were immediately dispatched to the scene, and all 25 crew members were safely evacuated. The fire in the engine room caused heavy smoke, but the crew is reported to be in satisfactory condition.
Incident involving the tanker Virat
Another tanker, Virat, was damaged by an explosion approximately 35 nautical miles off the coast of Türkiye, slightly eastward in the Black Sea.
Rescue units were dispatched to assist the vessel. There were 20 people on board Virat, all reported to be in satisfactory condition. There is information suggesting the ship may have been attacked by maritime drones.
Both tankers, Kairos and Virat, are on the list of vessels subject to sanctions against Russia, imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In recent years, there have been multiple incidents in the Black Sea involving ships striking mines, some of which drift freely in the waters. Despite these incidents, maritime traffic through the Bosporus Strait continues.
What is known about Russia’s shadow fleet
Russia’s shadow fleet includes tankers, bulk carriers, gas carriers, and other large vessels that are formally owned by third countries or private companies but are effectively controlled by Russia. These ships are often registered under "flags of convenience" (for example, Gambia, Liberia, Panama) to conceal their connection to Russia.
It is estimated that roughly one in six tankers worldwide belongs to the shadow fleet, accounting for about 17% of all active tankers.
The European Union is currently considering new restrictive measures against those who support the operation of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers.
