Blasts hit Russian shadow fleet tankers in Black Sea near Türkiye's Bosphorus

Explosions struck two tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea near Türkiye's Bosphorus Strait on Friday (28 November), causing fires on board and prompting rescue operations, Turkish authorities reported.

The tanker Virat was reportedly hit some 35 nautical miles offshore in the Black Sea. Türkiye's Maritime Affairs Directorate said rescue units and a commercial vessel were sent to the scene.

Heavy smoke was detected in the engine room, but the 20 personnel on board were reported to be in good condition.

Earlier, the 274-metre-long tanker Kairos suffered an explosion and caught fire while travelling from Egypt to Russia, according to Türkiye's Transport Ministry.

Both Virat and Kairos are included on the list of ships subject to sanctions imposed against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to LSEG data.

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