Tanker Fire off Turkish Black Sea Coast; Crew Rescued

Tanker Fire in Black Sea Prompted Rescue by Turkish Authorities

Turkish maritime authorities successfully rescued the entire crew of the chemical tanker KAIROS after a fire broke out on board off the country's Black Sea coast. Officials confirmed the incident was caused by an "external factor."

Incident Details

According to the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, the vessel was traveling without cargo and en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk when the fire started approximately 28 miles (45 km) from the Turkish shoreline.

"Teams from the Directorate General of Coastal Safety successfully evacuated all 25 crew members. Authorities confirmed that everyone on board is in good condition."

The cause is under investigation, with authorities emphasizing the external nature of the incident.

Maritime Warning: Vessels in the region are advised to exercise increased caution.

Second Incident Reported

In a separate event, the directorate also reported an incident involving another tanker, the VIRAT. This vessel was struck approximately 35 nautical miles offshore in the Black Sea.

• Rescue units were immediately dispatched to the scene.
• A nearby commercial vessel also provided assistance.
• All 20 crew members of the VIRAT were reported safe.

Information: Both incidents are under investigation by maritime authorities. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The swift response by Turkish rescue teams in both cases ensured the safety of all personnel involved, preventing a potential disaster in the busy Black Sea waters.

Successful Operation: All 45 crew members from both vessels have been successfully accounted for and are in good health.