A Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying 23 Indian crew members caught fire off Russia’s Black Sea coast after being attacked by an unmanned vessel, according to the Russian Transport Ministry.
The tanker, identified as Aframax Rio, was attacked near the Russian resort city of Sochi. All 23 crew members were rescued and no injuries were reported.
Massive Fire Breaks Out Near Sochi
The Russian Transport Ministry said the vessel was struck by what it described as naval drones, triggering a major fire.
Crude oil was reported to be burning on the surface of the Black Sea, while thick black smoke was visible from the Sochi coastline. The intensity of the fire initially prevented firefighters from approaching the tanker safely.
Authorities in the Sirius area subsequently restricted access to nearby beaches as emergency operations continued.
All 23 Indian Crew Members Rescued
The tanker was carrying an entirely Indian crew. Russian authorities said emergency teams successfully rescued all 23 seafarers, with no injuries reported.
The successful evacuation prevented casualties despite the intensity of the fire and the difficulties faced by emergency crews in reaching the vessel.
Ukraine Link Reported, Attribution Not Independently Confirmed
Several reports have described the incident as a Ukrainian drone attack, amid the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing attacks involving commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
However, Russia’s initial official statement described the vessel as being attacked by an unmanned vessel and did not immediately identify the attacker. Reuters also reported that there was no independent confirmation that Ukraine was responsible.
Growing Risks for Black Sea Shipping
The tanker incident comes amid a series of recent attacks involving commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
The developments have raised renewed concerns about the safety of international shipping and seafarers operating in the region, where military activity has increasingly affected civilian maritime traffic.
The investigation into the tanker attack and the cause of the fire is continuing.
