Russia Ukraine War / Ukrainian Naval Drone Strike Sparks Black Sea Tanker Inferno, 23 Indians Rescued

Moscow, Oct 7: Flames engulfed a Liberian‑flagged oil tanker off Russia’s Black Sea coast after a Ukrainian drone strike, forcing a dramatic rescue of all 23 Indian crew members and underscoring escalating risks to global shipping lanes.

The vessel was attacked by “naval drones”. The blaze was so intense that firefighters were initially unable to contain it, though officials said they would attempt again once the flames subsided. All 23 crew members were safely rescued, according to the ministry.

The incident occurred near Sochi, a resort city on Russia’s Black Sea coast with nearly half a million residents. Dramatic visuals shared on social media showed bright orange flames engulfing the tanker at sea, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Also read: IRGC Targets 7 Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz; Defies US Claims

In response, Sochi’s mayor announced restrictions on access to the city’s beaches and coastal areas.

The attack came just a day after another vessel caught fire and sank off Romania’s coast, killing one person and leaving another missing. Ukraine claimed that incident was the result of a Russian drone strike, which also injured one Indian crew member. These back‑to‑back maritime disasters highlight the growing risks faced by commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

Since the Russia‑Ukraine war erupted in 2022, both sides have increasingly targeted ships and maritime infrastructure. Russia has recently struck grain vessels carrying Ukrainian exports near Romania, while Ukraine has defended its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as retaliation for Moscow’s nightly bombardments of Ukrainian towns and cities. Both nations have vowed to intensify operations, raising alarm over the safety of neutral commercial vessels navigating the region.

Meanwhile, Russia has escalated its campaign by striking bridges in Kyiv and launching daytime drone raids on the capital, causing widespread disruption. The latest tanker fire near Sochi underscores how the conflict continues to spill into vital trade routes, threatening global shipping and energy supplies.

(IANS)