Ghost Ship Drama: Russia's Sanction-Busting Tanker Stranded Near Bulgaria

The oil tanker Kairos, part of Russia's alleged 'shadow fleet', has been stranded off Bulgaria after an attack in the Black Sea. Built in 2002 and previously flagged under various countries, Kairos was sanctioned earlier this year. Bulgarian authorities are organizing a rescue for the crew.

Bulgarian maritime authorities initiated a rescue operation on Saturday for the oil tanker Kairos, stranded off Ahtopol in the Black Sea. The tanker is part of the so-called 'shadow fleet' used by Russia to bypass international sanctions imposed due to the Ukraine conflict.

The 274-meter vessel, flagged under Gambia, was suspected to be targeted by Ukrainian naval drones, catching fire while empty and en route from Egypt to Novorossiysk. The incident left the tanker drifting powerless near the Turkish coast before stranding just a nautical mile off Bulgaria's shore.

Rumen Nikolov, heading the Bulgarian Maritime Agency's rescue operations, confirmed the ten crew members' stable condition despite rough weather. Efforts are ongoing to diplomatically address the unauthorized entry into Bulgarian waters, while the ship is monitored and prepared for safe evacuation.