Overview
- Turkish authorities said the incidents occurred in Turkey’s exclusive economic zone, reported all crews safe, and oversaw firefighting and inspections.
- Ukraine’s security service said upgraded Sea Baby drones, in a joint operation with the navy, struck the Kairos and Virat and released video it says shows critical damage.
- The Gambian‑flagged Kairos caught fire and its 25 crew were evacuated, while the Virat reported a “drone attack,” was struck again the next morning, and sustained minor damage above the waterline.
- Both tankers are listed by Western governments and databases as part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to move oil under sanctions; an SBU official said the vessels could have hauled roughly $70 million of crude.
- Turkey initially cited external interference without a definitive cause and said it is coordinating to safeguard navigation; Russia had not publicly commented in the reporting, and separate reports said CPC suspended loading at Novorossiysk after mooring damage.