Two 'Shadow Fleet' Tankers Catch Fire Off Turkish Coast

Two tankers from Russia's 'shadow fleet' experienced explosions and subsequent fires in the Black Sea, approximately 28 to 35 nautical miles off Turkey's coast. Turkish maritime authorities reported that the incidents, involving the Kairos and Virat tankers, were caused by an 'external impact.' Both vessels are identified as being part of the network used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia.

Rescue operations were promptly launched, successfully evacuating all 20 crew members from the Virat and all 25 from the Kairos. While efforts to extinguish the fires on the Kairos were ongoing, authorities indicated a clearer statement would follow further investigation into the cause, including the possibility of sea mines.

The 'shadow fleet' comprises older vessels operating under flags of convenience to disguise activities and bypass sanctions, reportedly generating significant revenue for the Kremlin. These ships have a history of using evasive tactics, such as disabling tracking systems, to obscure their operations and the origin of Russian oil exports.