Two Russian sanctions tankers exploded near Turkey

Two tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet, which is under international sanctions, exploded in the Black Sea. The incidents occurred almost simultaneously off the coast of Turkey.

This is reported by Bloomberg.

The first tanker, the Kairos, began to sink and take on water after the explosion. The crew reported an “external impact.” The Turkish port agent confirmed the damage.

The second tanker, the Virat, also exploded off the coast and began to smoke. Turkey’s General Directorate of Maritime Affairs confirmed the incident and said the exact causes of the explosions were still unknown. Rescue operations were underway for both vessels.

The Gambian-flagged Kairos was carrying Russian Urals oil and was subject to sanctions by the UK and the EU. The ship was returning to the Russian port of Novorossiysk to pick up a new cargo at the time of the explosion.

The tanker Virat, which is under US and EU sanctions, was empty. The vessel had been parked in the western Black Sea for a long time after being blacklisted by the US OFAC.

The Spanish Navy warns that there is an increased risk in the Black Sea since the beginning of the Russian invasion due to floating mines that could cause explosions.

As previously reported, the United Kingdom announced a new, “strongest” package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the energy sector, in particular against oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil.

As a reminder, the European Union and the United States are working on further strengthening sanctions against Russia and joint actions against its so-called “shadow fleet.”

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