Two large tankers under heavy international sanctions were struck by near-simultaneous explosions off Turkey’s Black Sea coast, triggering rescue operations and raising concerns about maritime security in the region. The first vessel, the 900-foot Kairos, began taking on water after an explosion. Turkish maritime authorities later confirmed that a second ship, the Virat, was also hit and seen emitting smoke. Both incidents occurred in Turkish territorial waters.
Officials have not determined the cause, though Turkey’s transportation minister said early information points to “external intervention.” Hours later, authorities reported that the Virat was struck a second time, causing only minor damage. Rescue teams were instructed to keep a distance from the vessel for safety reasons.
The Kairos and the Virat are part of a fleet assembled to move Russian oil following the invasion of Ukraine. The Kairos is sanctioned by the UK and EU, while the Virat is designated by the US and EU. Both ships were empty when the blasts occurred.
The Black Sea has faced heightened risks since the conflict began, including hazards from floating mines. Despite the incidents, Turkey has kept the Bosphorus open to traffic. The Kairos is registered under the flag of Gambia.
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