Kairos Tanker Stranded Off Bulgaria After Ukrainian Drone Attack
The oil tanker Kairos remains stranded approximately one nautical mile from Bulgaria’s coast after sustaining damage in a Black Sea drone attack, with rescue operations temporarily halted due to dangerous weather conditions.
Attack in Turkish Exclusive Economic Zone
The vessel Kairos came under attack on November 28 in Turkey’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The ship experienced an explosion and subsequent fire while traveling from Egypt toward Russia. Turkish emergency services extinguished the blaze and evacuated 25 crew members following the incident.
The attack was part of a broader operation targeting two sanctioned tankers. Both vessels were heading to Russian ports for oil cargo intended for international markets, as part of Kyiv’s efforts to disrupt Russian petroleum exports.
The 149,989-ton vessel, constructed in 2002, appears on sanctions lists maintained by the European Union, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Bulgaria Responds to Kairos Emergency Off Ahtopol
Bulgarian coastal monitoring detected the tanker entering national waters Friday morning. Initial radio communication attempts received no response.
Authorities later verified through coordination with nearby vessels and Ankara’s Maritime Coordination Centre that 10 individuals remained aboard. The crew subsequently transmitted an evacuation request.
The tanker dropped anchor roughly one nautical mile east of Ahtopol resort village and ceased movement. Strong winds in the area require continuous monitoring of the vessel’s position.
Rescue Mission Awaits Weather Improvement
Bulgaria’s maritime authorities, border patrol units, and naval forces have mobilized rescue resources. However, hazardous sea conditions currently prevent deployment.
A specialized border patrol team stands prepared to reach the vessel. Two tugboats await favorable conditions to commence assistance operations. Naval aviation has conducted aerial surveillance of the situation.
Regional Security Implications
This incident follows another drone attack on a Russian-registered tanker earlier this week near Turkish waters. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that such attacks threaten regional safety and demonstrate the expanding reach of the Ukraine conflict.
