Two tankers catch fire in Black Sea after ‘external’ impact; All crew safe; Fires extinguished

_{Photo credit: Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs}

In a dramatic series of events on the Black Sea, two tankers named as Kairos and Viratencountered fires on Friday. The Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs confirmed the incidents, ensuring that all crew members were safely rescued from the vessels.Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of both incidents.According to the latest information, the fire on the tanker Kairos has been completely extinguished and discussions are ongoing for towing the vessel to shore. On the other hand, the vessel Virat is now being towed to the Turkish coast, and it will arrive in Türkeli on December 1.

The first vessel Kairos notified the Turkish authorities of an “external impact” causing a fire approximately 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.

All 25 crew members were reported in good condition as Turkish rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the area to evacuate the sailors, it said.

“The evacuation of the personnel on board the ship has been completed by KEGM units,” the authority added.