Two are finally those of the “shadow fleet” of its transport in which explosions occurred near the Bosphorus strait. Both explosions were followed by fires in the engine rooms, prompting immediate rescue operations for the occupants.
Kairos rescue operation
the Turkish Ministry of Transport reported.
According to the same release, two speedboats, a tugboat and an emergency response vessel arrived on the scene almost immediately and the 25 crew members were rescued safely.
The Kairos was en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk when it reported an “external strike” that caused a fire 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast, according to Turkey’s Directorate of Maritime Affairs.
Similar incident in Virat
According to another announcement, a similar incident occurred on another tanker, the Virat, which was reportedly hit about 35 nautical miles offshore further east in the Black Sea, prompting rescue units as well as a commercial vessel to be immediately dispatched to the scene.
According to what became known, thick smoke was detected in the engine room, but the 20 crew members were in good condition.
Both Kairos and Virat are on the list of vessels subject to sanctions against Russia, according to LSEG data.
Did they hit landmines?
The Kairos was sailing under the Gambian flag and was in ballast when the incident occurred, shipping agency Tribeca reported. According to reports, the ship probably hit a mine and is in danger of sinking.
It is possible that Virat has also fallen into a mine, since from 2022 onwards there are several mines scattered in the Black Sea. Evidence later emerged that raises the possibility that the strikes did not come from mines, but from drones moving on the surface of the sea.
