An oil tanker carrying 23 Indian crew members caught fire off Russia’s southern coast after it was reportedly struck by Ukrainian naval drones on Tuesday evening. All 23 Indian crew members were rescued safely, according to Russia’s transport ministry.
The Liberian-flagged tanker came under attack in the Black Sea near the resort city of Sochi. The strike triggered a major fire, with thick black smoke rising over the coastline and visible from parts of the city.
Russia’s transport ministry said the vessel was hit by “naval drones”. The intensity of the fire reportedly made it difficult for firefighters to approach the tanker and begin operations to control the flames.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed bright flames burning offshore, with a large column of dark smoke rising into the sky. However, the authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.
Authorities in Sochi moved to restrict access to parts of the coastline and beaches following the incident. The city, one of Russia’s most popular Black Sea resorts, has a population of nearly five lakh and attracts large numbers of tourists.
The incident comes amid increasing attacks on commercial shipping in and around the Black Sea since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The region has become increasingly risky for vessels carrying commercial cargo as both sides have expanded attacks on infrastructure and maritime targets.
In recent weeks, Russia has also carried out strikes near Romania’s coast, targeting vessels carrying Ukrainian grain, according to Ukrainian officials. Kyiv has defended some of its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
The latest tanker incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine has previously targeted oil facilities in southern Russia, with some strikes reportedly resulting in oil spills, temporary beach closures and environmental concerns.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have indicated that attacks could intensify as the war continues. Russia has recently stepped up drone strikes on Kyiv and targeted key infrastructure, while Ukraine has continued attacks on Russian military and energy-related facilities.
For India, the safe rescue of all 23 crew members aboard the tanker is the key development following the incident. The attack, however, adds to growing concerns over the safety of international commercial shipping and seafarers operating in the Black Sea region.
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