Fire too intense for firefighters as crude oil burns on the water off Russia’s southern coast
A massive fire broke out on a Liberian-flagged oil tanker off Russia’s southern coast on Tuesday after the vessel was reportedly struck by Ukrainian naval drones, sending a towering plume of black smoke over the resort city of Sochi. All 23 crew members aboard, who were Indian nationals, were rescued, Russia’s Transport Ministry said.
Russia’s Transport Ministry confirmed the tanker came under attack in the Black Sea, with crude oil burning on the water. The fire was initially too intense for firefighters to approach. Videos and images from Sochi showed flames burning offshore as thick black smoke billowed into the sky, prompting authorities to restrict access to beaches and parts of the coastline as a precaution.
Beach closures and safety advisories
Dmitry Plishkin, head of the Sirius federal territory, confirmed the tanker fire and announced the temporary closure of local beaches. “A tanker caught fire in the Black Sea. To ensure the safety of people, the beaches of Sirius will be temporarily closed. The state of water and air is constantly monitored,” he said, adding that authorities were coordinating with Russia’s Hydrometeorological Service. Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed while air and water conditions were monitored.
Part of an escalating pattern of Black Sea attacks
The incident comes as Russia and Ukraine continue to target energy infrastructure and commercial shipping linked to the war in and around the Black Sea. Russia has recently struck grain vessels carrying Ukrainian goods near the Romanian coast, while Ukraine has targeted Russian oil infrastructure, describing its strikes as retaliation for repeated Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Both sides have indicated plans to intensify their attacks. Russia has also stepped up strikes on Kyiv, including daytime drone attacks and strikes on key bridges, causing significant disruption in the Ukrainian capital. Previous Ukrainian attacks on oil facilities in southern Russia have led to oil spills, beach closures and environmental concerns.
A separate deadly strike nearby
In a related incident, at least two people were killed and several crew members injured after a Russian drone strike sparked a fire aboard the Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel MV Royal Mammadov in the Black Sea. The Indian Embassy in Romania confirmed three Indian nationals were among the crew, with one injured and receiving medical attention. “We have learnt of an attack today on commercial vessel MV Royal Mammadov in the Black Sea. As per preliminary information, there have been 2 casualties (foreign nationals) while some crew members have been injured and are undergoing medical treatment in Romania,” the mission said in a post on X, adding that it remained in close contact with relevant authorities to ascertain the safety and welfare of the Indian nationals involved.
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