Sanctioned Russian Tanker ‘Virat’ Hit Twice by Unmanned Vessel in Black Sea, Says Turkey

Turkey has reported a new escalation in Black Sea maritime tensions, confirming that ‘Virat,’ a tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, was struck twice by unmanned vessels near the Turkish coast.

According to the Turkish transport ministry, the first attack occurred late Friday about 35 miles offshore in the Black Sea, followed by a second attack on Saturday morning.

Minor Damage, Crew Safe

The ministry stated that the tanker suffered minor damage on its starboard side above the waterline but remains stable.
The crew onboard is safe and in good health.

Source of Attack Still Unknown

Authorities did not specify who launched the unmanned vessels. Such attacks have increased in recent months amid heightened tensions involving Russia’s naval operations and sanctions.

Another Russian-Bound Tanker Catches Fire

In a separate incident, Turkish emergency teams are working to extinguish and cool ‘Kairos,’ a large 274-meter tanker, after a fire triggered by an explosion in the Black Sea.

• The tanker was heading to Russia’s Novorossiysk port
• It reported “an external impact” on Friday
• 25 crew members were safely evacuated, authorities confirmed

Both Tankers Under Sanctions

Data from LSEG shows that both Virat and Kairos are part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” — vessels frequently used to bypass Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The incidents come amid growing international concern over unmanned maritime attacks and rising risks in Black Sea shipping routes.