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Renewed attack has been carried out on “Virat” tanker in Black Sea-UPDATED

29 November 2025 13:50 (UTC +04:00)

The Gambian-flagged tanker "Virat" has been attacked by drones again off the coast of Türkiye, APA reports, citing NTV TV channel.

Earlier, it was reported that a fire broke out on the tanker as a result of an attack by drones on Friday evening. All 20 crew members on board were evacuated.

According to NTV, on Saturday morning it became known that the tanker "Virat" received minor damage to its hull as a result of a new attack. This damage is attributed to the attack by unmanned naval vehicles.

Ilgar Khudiyev

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00:27

An external force, possibly an attack, may have caused the fire on the Kairos tanker off the coast of Türkiye, said Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdülkadir Uralglu, APA reports.

"According to preliminary data, external interference, possibly a mine explosion or a drone attack, may have caused the fire on the vessel. The incident occurred in Turkish territorial waters," he said on CNN-turk .

On the A haber television channel , the minister reported that the fire on board the Kairos tanker, which was en route to Russia, continues.

"The fire on the tanker Kairos is ongoing. Our vessel is extinguishing it, and detonation sounds are heard periodically. The Kairos hasn't sunk yet. According to my information, the second vessel [the Virat] isn't on fire, but there is hull damage. Both vessels are Gambian-flagged, were empty, and were headed to Russia," said Uralglu.

He also reported that the Turkish "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and intelligence agencies are dealing with these incidents through their channels."