Our Bureau
Sochi
All 23 Indian crew members aboard a Liberian-flagged oil tanker were safely rescued after the vessel caught fire off Russia’s Black Sea coast following an attack by Ukrainian naval drones, Russian transport Ministry confirmed. No injuries were reported among the crew.
The tanker, identified as the Aframax Rio, was attacked near the Russian resort city of Sochi on Tuesday, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry. The strike triggered a major fire, with crude oil reportedly burning in the waters around the vessel. Thick black smoke was visible from the coastline.
The Russian ministry said emergency teams managed to evacuate all 23 people on board, with the entire crew comprising Indian nationals. Firefighters were initially unable to approach the tanker because of the intensity of the blaze. They were expected to begin more extensive firefighting operations after the flames weakened.
Authorities in the Sirius federal territory, near Sochi, temporarily restricted public access to nearby beaches and coastal areas as emergency operations continued. Officials said air and water quality were being monitored in the area.
The incident comes amid growing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Commercial vessels and maritime infrastructure have increasingly been affected by military activity in the region.
The tanker incident also follows a separate attack involving the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov off the Romanian coast, in which Indian sailors were among those injured. India has previously expressed concern over attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers in conflict-affected waters.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating on international shipping routes passing through areas affected by the ongoing conflict. While the 23 crew members were rescued without reported injuries, the fire highlights the wider dangers faced by commercial vessels navigating the increasingly volatile Black Sea.