A Russian oil tanker named Virat was struck by unmanned maritime drones in the Black Sea, prompting a dramatic distress call from its crew: “This is VIRAT. Help needed! Drone attack! Mayday!” The incident follows an earlier blast on the same vessel late Friday.
Turkey’s transport ministry confirmed the tanker was attacked twice by unmanned sea vehicles, though officials suggested the vessel may have been hit by a mine, rocket, or underwater drone. Despite sustaining damage, the tanker remains stable and its crew unharmed.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility, stating the joint operation with the Ukrainian navy deployed modernised “Sea Baby” naval drones. Footage shared online shows drones gliding toward the tankers before explosions.
Both Virat and Kairos, flying Gambian flags, are part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” accused of transporting oil in defiance of Western sanctions. Ukraine argues these shipments fund Russia’s war effort, estimating the targeted vessels could have carried oil worth $70 million.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the maritime dimension of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising concerns about global energy security and the enforcement of sanctions.
