Oil tanker catches fire in the Black Sea near Sochi

An oil tanker has caught fire in the Black Sea near the Russian resort city of Sochi, according to multiple Russian Telegram channels. Photos and videos circulating online show a massive black plume of smoke rising from the sea, clearly visible from shore. Burning oil may have spilled into the water.

Beaches closed as a precaution

Dmitry Plishkin, head of the nearby federal territory of "Sirius," confirmed that a tanker fire had broken out in the Black Sea. He announced that beaches in the territory would be closed to ensure residents' safety, and urged residents and visitors to avoid spending long periods outdoors and, if possible, to keep windows closed.

Possible drone attack

The Telegram channel "Sochi-radar" reported that, according to preliminary information, the tanker had been struck by an uncrewed surface vessel. The channel added that smoke had already reached the Sochi coastline and advised against inhaling it. The channel "Dva Mayora" also reported that the fire was caused by a Ukrainian naval drone.

Independent Russian outlet Agentstvo reported that the fire started aboard the tanker Aframax Rio, which is listed under Ukrainian sanctions as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet."