The tanker, registered in Liberia and carrying 5,000 tonnes of crude, was hit by a Ukrainian drone that ignited the cargo bay, sending orange flames into the Black Sea. Crew of 23 Indian nationals were air‑lifted to safety by Russian helicopters within minutes. Firefighters on shore were unable to contain the blaze, citing the intensity and risk of spreading.
The incident follows a week‑old fire on a Romanian‑flagged vessel that sank, killing one crew member and leaving another missing. Ukraine claims the drone was launched from Russian waters, a charge Moscow denies.
Russia described the attack as a strike by "naval drones" and said the crude was burning open in the sea. The Ministry of Transport said a second firefighting attempt would be made when the blaze lessens.
The Black Sea has seen a surge in military strikes on commercial shipping since 2022, with both sides blaming each other for escalating losses. These attacks have closed beaches, caused oil slicks, and led to toxic fallout, according to environmental groups.
Sochi's mayor posted on social media that beach access would be restricted amid the blaze, and the city’s residents were urged to stay away. Images of the burning tanker lit up the sky, drawing widespread attention on social media.
Russian authorities plan a second firefighting attempt once the fire subsides, while diplomats in Washington and Brussels are monitoring the escalation.