A Liberian-flagged tanker was attacked by unmanned boats off the coast of the Black...

Lentach:

A major fire broke out on a tanker in the waters off Sochi. According to eyewitnesses, a large tanker is burning in the waters, and a black column of smoke can be seen hundreds of kilometers from the scene. There is no official information at this time

A Liberian-flagged tanker was attacked by unmanned boats off the coast of the Black Sea, the Transport Ministry reported.

“A vessel carrying oil and sailing under the Liberian flag was attacked by unmanned boats. The crew of 23 people (all Indian citizens) has been rescued; according to preliminary information, there are no casualties,” the ministry said.

The tanker in question is the AFRAMAX RIO. Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin held a meeting of the headquarters for dealing with the aftermath of the attack. The ministry said that oil is currently burning in open flames in the Black Sea waters. Firefighting can begin after the intensity of the fire decreases, when rescue vessels can safely approach the tanker. The Transport Ministry said there are enough forces and resources to deal with the aftermath.