The Liberian-flagged Aframax Rio was struck near Sochi after Kiev threatened to intensify attacks on Russia’s energy industry
A Liberian-flagged oil tanker has caught fire off Russia’s Black Sea coast after being attacked by unmanned boats near Sochi, the Russian Transport Ministry has said. All 23 members of its crew, who are Indian nationals, were rescued and no injuries have been reported.
The Aframax Rio, which was carrying crude oil, was struck by sea drones on Tuesday, according to the ministry. The attack triggered an oil fire in the Black Sea, with emergency crews initially unable to approach the tanker because of the intensity of the blaze.
Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin convened an emergency response headquarters, while the ministry said sufficient personnel and equipment had been deployed to deal with the consequences.
Authorities temporarily closed beaches in the nearby federal territory of Sirius as a precaution. Local officials said subsequent monitoring found pollutant concentrations below permitted limits and that there was no immediate danger to public health.
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