Two tankers linked to sanctions on Russia were struck by explosions in the Black Sea near Turkey’s coast, prompting rapid rescue operations on Friday. The incidents happened close to the Bosphorus Strait, a major passage for global shipping. According to LSEG data, both ships are part of a fleet listed under sanctions connected to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The first vessel, the Kairos, is a 274-meter-long tanker that was traveling from Egypt to Russia when the blast occurred. Turkey’s Transport Ministry reported that the ship suddenly suffered an explosion and caught fire while it was about 28 nautical miles from the Turkish shore. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately, including two fast rescue boats, a tugboat, and an emergency response vessel.
Thanks to the swift action, all 25 crew members onboard the Kairos were safely brought to safety. Turkey’s Maritime Affairs Directorate stated that the tanker reported an “external impact” just before the fire broke out. The Kairos was headed toward Russia’s Novorossiysk port during the incident and was sailing under the Gambian flag. It was traveling in ballast, meaning it carried no cargo.
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Tribeca Shipping Agency later explained that reports indicated the ship might have struck a drifting mine in the Black Sea. Mines have been found floating in different parts of the region in recent years, adding risk for vessels passing through. There were also concerns that the Kairos could be in danger of sinking due to the blast and the fire onboard.
Despite the situation involving the Kairos, the Transport Ministry confirmed that vessel traffic through the Bosphorus remained uninterrupted and continued as normal.
Second Tanker Hit Further East
A second tanker, named Virat, was also hit offshore on the same day. The explosion affecting this ship occurred about 35 nautical miles from the coast, further east than where the Kairos was struck. Rescue units were sent toward the Virat, along with support from a commercial vessel already in the area.
The 20 personnel onboard were reported to be in good condition by the Maritime Affairs Directorate. The main issue was heavy smoke detected in the engine room. Even though the ship did not catch fire like the Kairos, the smoke prompted immediate safety checks. Emergency teams worked to evaluate the condition of the vessel and ensure that the crew remained safe while the situation was brought under control.
According to LSEG data, the Virat is also listed among ships subject to sanctions related to Russia. The tanker is part of what is often described as a “shadow fleet,” a group of vessels that continue sailing under various flags despite restrictions placed on Russian oil shipments.
Ongoing Hazards in the Black Sea
The incidents involving the Kairos and the Virat highlight the continuing dangers present in the Black Sea. Because of regional tensions, drifting mines have been discovered multiple times in recent years. These devices pose a serious threat because they can move with currents and appear unexpectedly in busy routes.
Turkey’s Maritime Affairs Directorate reported that rescue and safety operations continued around both tankers. This included controlling fire risks, managing smoke, and stabilizing any structural weaknesses. Officials also worked to confirm whether mines were responsible for the impacts on either ship, as this remains a significant concern for vessels navigating the area.
Despite the emergencies, traffic through the Bosphorus stayed active, and authorities kept watch as rescue teams secured the sites and ensured safe passage for other ships traveling through the region.