Gambian-flagged tanker, Virat, part of Russia's sanctioned "shadow fleet," is on fire approximately 35 nautical miles off Türkiye's Black Sea coast following an alleged attack by multiple naval drones, crew reported via distress call broadcast on Turkish TV.

"Mayday. Need help! Drone attacked! Need help!" the 20-person Russian crew urgently transmitted, citing strikes to the engine room causing heavy smoke and flooding.

The incident marks the second shadow fleet strike today—sister vessel Kairos exploded earlier, possibly on a mine, with its 25 crew fully evacuated. Both tankers, bound for Russia's Novorossiysk port, evade Western sanctions on Moscow's oil exports amid the ongoing war Ukraine.