Daijiworld Media Network - Moscow

Moscow, Oct 7: An oil tanker caught fire in the Black Sea off Russia’s southern coast on Tuesday after reportedly being struck by Ukrainian naval drones, sending a thick plume of black smoke over parts of the resort city of Sochi.

Russia’s Transport Ministry said the Liberian-flagged tanker came under attack and crude oil was burning on the water. The fire was initially too intense for firefighters to approach the vessel.

All 23 crew members, who were Indian nationals, were rescued, the ministry said.

Videos and images from Sochi showed flames burning offshore as thick black smoke rose into the sky. Authorities restricted access to beaches and parts of the coastline as a precaution.

Dmitry Plishkin, head of the Sirius federal territory, confirmed the tanker fire and announced the temporary closure of local beaches. Residents were advised to remain indoors and keep their windows closed while authorities monitored air and water conditions.

The reported attack comes amid continuing Russian and Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping linked to the war in and around the Black Sea.

In a separate incident, at least two people were killed and several crew members, including an Indian national, were injured after a Russian drone strike triggered a fire on the Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea.

The Indian Embassy in Romania said three Indian nationals were among the crew members and one of them was injured and receiving medical treatment.

The embassy said it was in contact with the relevant authorities to ascertain further details about the safety and welfare of the Indian nationals.