Two tankers catch fire in Black Sea after ‘external’ impact; All crew safe

Photo credit: Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs

In a dramatic series of events on the Black Sea, two tankers named as Kairos and Virat encountered fires on Friday. The Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs confirmed the incidents, ensuring that all crew members were safely rescued from the vessels. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of both incidents. According to the latest information, the fire on the tanker Kairos has been completely extinguished and discussions are ongoing for towing the vessel to shore. On the other hand, the vessel Virat is now being towed to the Turkish coast, and it will arrive in Türkeli on December 1.

The first vessel Kairos notified the Turkish authorities of an “external impact” causing a fire approximately 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.

All 25 crew members were reported in good condition as Turkish rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the area to evacuate the sailors, it said.

“The evacuation of the personnel on board the ship has been completed by KEGM units,” the authority added.

Two tankers catch fire in Black Sea after ‘external’ impact; All crew safe

Photo credit: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey

Turkish rescue authorities immediately dispatched a tug and a salvage/rescue vessel throughout the night to combat the blaze. According to Turkey’s ministry of transport and infrastructure, “the fire on the open deck has been completely extinguished, and extinguishing and cooling efforts continue in the enclosed areas.”

In an update on Sunday, the ministry confirmed that the fire on the ship has been extinguished and discussions are ongoing with the shipping company regarding towing the vessel to shore.

Second tanker was “struck” while sailing in the Black Sea

Within an hour, the Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs reported that a second tanker was “struck” approximately 35 nautical miles offshore in the Black Sea. It did not provide further details.

Rescue operations were swift, with teams deployed to manage the incident and ensure the safety of the crew. Turkish rescue units and a commercial vessel were dispatched to the scene to assist.

All 20 crew members aboard the tanker Virat were in good condition although heavy smoke was reported in the engine room, the authority said, without providing further details.

Late evening on Friday the authority said there is no fire or emergency on the ship, which has sustained damage off the coast of the Black Sea.

Turkish maritime authorities explained on Friday that the crew has not requested to abandon the ship while a tugboat has been dispatched to the area.

Two tankers catch fire in Black Sea after ‘external’ impact; All crew safe

Photo credit: Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs

The tanker Virat is now being towed to the Turkish coast, and it will arrive in Türkeli on December 1. This was announced on November 29 by the Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs. They added that they were monitoring the situation.

Shipping Telegraph cannot independently verify the cause of the incidents for the vessels Kairos and Virat. Investigations are ongoing.