Explosions in Black Sea and Senegal hit three tankers linked to Russian trade

Two sanctioned vessels were struck in the Black Sea, with Ukraine claiming responsibility, while a third, not sanctioned but reported to have previously loaded cargo in Russia, was targeted off Senegal.

According to Turkish maritime authorities, on 28 November, 2002-built Suezmax tanker Kairos, carrying 25 seafarers, suffered an explosion and fire in the Black Sea while sailing from Egypt to Russia, approximately 28 nautical miles north of the Turkish coast.

The latest update from Turkish authorities on 30 November reports the fire has been fully extinguished, and discussions are ongoing with the shipping company regarding the vessel’s towing to shore. All crew members were safely evacuated, and no pollution has been detected so far.

In a separate incident, 2018-built Aframax Virat was struck on the same day, 30 miles off the Turkish coast, sustaining minor damage to its starboard side. Turkish authorities confirmed there was no fire on board and that all 20 crew members are in good health.

The towing operation for Virat is ongoing, with the vessel scheduled to berth in Turkey around noon on 1 December. The tanker was reportedly waiting for orders when the incident occurred.

MarineTraffic data indicates that both Black Sea vessels are included in Western sanctions lists for transporting Russian oil. Kairos has been designated by the EU and the UK, while Virat is sanctioned by the US, EU and UK.

Ukraine claims responsibility

CNN reported on 30 November that Ukraine claimed the attacks. A Ukrainian security source stated ’Sea Baby’ maritime drones were used in a joint operation by Ukraine’s Security Service and the navy.

Reuters also cited a Security Service of Ukraine official confirming that Ukrainian naval drones hit the two tankers as “they sailed empty to Novorossiysk”, a major Russian Black Sea oil terminal.

“Video shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transport,” the official said in a statement to Reuters.

MR tanker hit off Senegal

In a separate incident, 2009-built MR tanker Mersin suffered four external explosions on 27 November while at anchor off Dakar, Senegal, causing seawater to enter the engineroom, the vessel’s technical manager reported on 1 December.

Turkey-based Besiktas Shipping stated the situation was immediately brought under control and confirmed that all crew members are safe.

“The vessel remains stable and safe, posing no navigational or environmental risk to its surroundings,” the company said. Senegalese authorities also mobilised tugboats and specialised teams to prevent a potential oil spill near Dakar.

“We are working closely with the authorised insurers and relevant Senegalese authorities, managing the incident’s consequences and supporting ongoing technical and forensic investigations,” Besiktas Shipping added.

While Mersin is not included in any Western sanctions lists, it reportedly loaded cargo in the Russian port of Taman this summer.

Maritime advisors have noted several recent incidents involving vessels that called at Russian ports suffering explosions, including incidents in Russia, Italy, and off the coasts of Libya, Turkey, and Spain.