Two tankers connected to Russia’s shadow fleet experienced powerful explosions in the Black Sea near Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait on Friday. The blasts triggered intense fires on both vessels and prompted immediate rescue operations amid fears that at least one ship struck a drifting mine.
Explosion on Kairos Triggers Massive Emergency Response
The first incident involved the 274-meter tanker Kairos, which erupted in flames while traveling from Egypt to Russia. Authorities reported that the vessel experienced “an external impact” about 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.
Rescue teams quickly deployed two fast boats, a tugboat, and an emergency response vessel. All 25 crew members were safely evacuated after the fire spread across sections of the tanker.
Although the exact cause remains unclear, early reports suggested the possibility of a mine strike. The Kairos was sailing in ballast under the Gambian flag when the explosion occurred.
Second Tanker Virat Also Hit Offshore
Shortly after the Kairos incident, a second tanker named Virat was reportedly struck 35 nautical miles further east. Rescue teams and a nearby commercial vessel rushed to the scene as smoke filled the engine room.
Despite the damage, all 20 crew members were reported to be in stable condition, which helped avert a potential maritime disaster.
Both Vessels Part of Sanctioned Fleet
Both tankers appear on international sanctions lists imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Their presence in the Black Sea forms part of a broader network of vessels used to continue transporting Russian oil despite global restrictions.
Mine Threat Remains a Serious Concern
Several drifting mines have been detected in the Black Sea in recent years. These explosive devices have threatened commercial shipping routes and complicated maritime safety. Early indications suggested that Kairos may have struck such a mine, though investigations remained underway.
Shipping Traffic Continues Despite Alarming Incidents
Even with the explosions and the fires that followed, shipping traffic through the Bosphorus Strait continued as normal. Authorities maintained strict monitoring as crews worked to stabilise both affected vessels.
The back-to-back blasts highlighted the ongoing security risks in the region and renewed calls for tighter maritime safety measures, especially for sanctioned tankers operating in contested waters.
