Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker 'Virat' Attacked by Unmanned Vessels in Black Sea Near Turkish Coast

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the reported attacks on the vessel. (Image posted on X by @viktorikolibri)

Istanbul:

Turkey announced on Saturday that an unmanned vessel reportedly attacked a tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet off Turkey's Black Sea coastline, following an initial strike that occurred late Friday.

According to a statement from the Turkish transport ministry, the Virat sustained minor damage after the attack but remains in stable condition, with the crew reported to be in good health.

"The Virat, reportedly attacked by unmanned vessels approximately 35 miles offshore in the Black Sea, was reportedly attacked again this morning by unmanned vessels. (Virat) sustained minor damage to its starboard side above the waterline," the ministry statement indicated.

The identity of those behind the reported attacks remains unclear.

In a separate incident, Turkish authorities continue firefighting and cooling operations on another Russian-bound tanker that ignited after an explosion in the Black Sea, the ministry further reported.

Rescue teams have successfully evacuated 25 crew members from the 274-meter-long Kairos following the fire, according to the ministry.

On Friday, Turkey reported that Kairos was en route to Russia's Novorossiysk port when it reported "an external impact" that caused a fire 28 nautical miles from the Turkish shore.

Both vessels, Kairos and Virat, are listed among ships subject to sanctions imposed against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to LSEG data.