Two tankers associated with Russian sanctioned oil trades erupted in fire on Friday in the Black Sea, raising serious maritime concerns. Turkish authorities immediately launched large-scale rescue missions. The vessels — Kairos (274 m) and Virat (Aframax) — were traveling north of Turkey when each reported external impact.
Kairos, bound for Novorossiysk, issued a distress call roughly 28 nautical miles offshore. The ship, sailing in ballast under the Gambian flag, suffered an engine room blast. Turkish rescue teams successfully retrieved all 25 crew members without injuries.
Further east, Virat, 35 nautical miles offshore, reported heavy smoke. Rescue operations, assisted by nearby commercial ships, saved all 20 crew members.
| Vessel | Length | Crew | Flag | Offshore | Incident Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kairos | 274 m | 25 | Gambia | 28 nm | Engine blast |
| Virat | Aframax | 20 | Unknown | 35 nm | Smoke/fire |
Analysts highlight the shadow fleet’s lack of insurance and valid certification. Kairos was recently flagged off Gambian registry due to fraudulent certificates, making it highly risky. These incidents reveal the persistent dangers of sanction-evading tankers in the Black Sea.