Dramatic Black Sea Fire: Gambian Tanker's Narrow Escape off Turkey's Coast

A Gambian-flagged tanker, Kairos, caught fire in the Black Sea off Turkey's coast. Thankfully, all 25 crew members were confirmed safe. The ship was empty and heading towards Russia when the fire, reportedly due to an 'external impact,' erupted. Rescue operations were promptly initiated.

A Gambian-flagged tanker experienced a dramatic fire off Turkey's Black Sea coast, according to reports from Turkey's maritime authority. In a fortunate outcome, all 25 crew members emerged safe.

The incident took place as the Kairos was heading empty towards Russia's Novorossiysk port. The fire erupted approximately 45 kilometers off Turkey's Kocaeli province, as stated by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs via social media. An 'external impact' is blamed for the blaze, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Kocaeli's Governor Ilhami Aktas, in conversation with NTV, admitted that the exact cause is yet unknown. Rapid response teams were dispatched, with crew evacuations nearing conclusion. Distant photographs reveal smoke plumes rising from the tanker’s location.