Two oil tankers linked to sanctioned Russian crude shipments caught fire in separate incidents last Friday in the Black Sea, raising concerns in a region already troubled by naval mines and irregular shipping activities. Turkish authorities launched major rescue efforts after the fires broke out on the vessels, which were carrying limited or questionable documentation.
The two ships involved were the Kairos, a 274-meter tanker, and the Virat, an aframax-class tanker. Both were sailing north of Turkey’s coast when they experienced what was described as external impacts. These ships had been targeted by Western sanctions for their role in moving Russian crude, and they often operated with opaque paperwork and spotty insurance, increasing the risks they face on the water.
The Kairos was headed toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk when it reported an explosion about 28 nautical miles off Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Flying under the Gambian flag but sailing empty, the ship suffered a blast that led to a fire in the engine room. Turkish rescue services dispatched boats and emergency vessels, safely evacuating all 25 crew members. Officials later revealed the tanker might have hit a mine and was at risk of sinking. Maritime expert Michelle Wiese Bockmann pointed out that the Kairos had recently been removed from the Gambian registry due to fraudulent certification, which could invalidate its insurance and official status.
Meanwhile, farther east around 35 nautical miles offshore, the Virat also reported trouble after smoke was detected in its engine room. A nearby commercial ship assisted Turkish rescue teams, and all 20 crew members were brought to safety.
Despite the fires, Turkish authorities confirmed that shipping traffic through the Bosphorus Strait continued without interruption, even as smoke rose from one of the damaged ships. Photos showed flames shooting from the deck of the Kairos.
These incidents come amid ongoing problems in the Black Sea, where over 100 naval mines—both anchored and drifting—have been found since the Ukraine conflict began. Many cargo ships in the area have already struck mines in recent years, highlighting the danger. Most experts believe that Russian forces planted the mines, especially near Crimea and Ukrainian ports. While Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania are actively clearing mines, the task remains very difficult.
The events also spotlight the growing challenges posed by the so-called shadow fleet. These vessels often operate outside of regular rules and sometimes lack valid insurance or certification. This raises serious concerns for insurers and brokers, especially when accidents happen in such a risky and heavily sanctioned environment.
As the fires on both tankers fade and salvage teams work to see if the vessels can be saved, it’s clear the Black Sea is a more dangerous and uncertain place for shipping. The combination of drifting mines and loosely regulated ships makes for a stormy outlook for maritime safety and insurance in the region.