Tanker off Turkey’s coast reports drone attack
World
The crew of the tanker Virat, which caught fire near the Turkish coast, issued an international Mayday distress call stating that the vessel had been struck by drones. The audio was published by Turkish broadcaster A Haber.
On the evening of 28 November, two tankers — Virat and Kairos — caught fire in the Black Sea. According to authorities, both incidents resulted from “external impact.” No crew members were injured.
Independent sources offered additional versions:
Kairos may have hit a mine;
Virat was reportedly struck by drone boats or unmanned aerial vehicles.
Turkey’s Minister of Transport told A Haber:
“The fire on the Kairos tanker continues. Our firefighting vessel is working, and periodic detonations can be heard. Kairos has not sunk.”
He added that Virat is not burning but does have hull damage. The minister noted that the cause may have been a mine explosion or another form of external interference.
The investigation is ongoing.
Independent sources offered additional versions:
Kairos may have hit a mine;
Virat was reportedly struck by drone boats or unmanned aerial vehicles.
Turkey’s Minister of Transport told A Haber:
“The fire on the Kairos tanker continues. Our firefighting vessel is working, and periodic detonations can be heard. Kairos has not sunk.”
He added that Virat is not burning but does have hull damage. The minister noted that the cause may have been a mine explosion or another form of external interference.
The investigation is ongoing.
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