(SOCHI, KRASNODAR KRAI) – A Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker has caught fire in the Black Sea off the Russian resort city of Sochi following an attack by uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The Aframax Rio, a vessel linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, was struck on 6th October 2026 while carrying oil. All 23 crew members, all Indian nationals, were rescued. No injuries were reported, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry .
The attack marks a significant escalation in the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has become increasingly dangerous. Ukraine struck the loaded tanker in what appears to be a proportional response to Russia’s recent sinking of grain ships. Two vessels were sunk and a third set ablaze off NATO’s coastline in the last two days, including Turkish-owned ships. The captain and crew members on those vessels were killed in the Russian attacks .
In a typical attack, Ukrainian forces often target tankers when they are empty or attempt to disable the rear of the ship. On this occasion, the vessel was fully loaded with crude oil. Video footage shows the oil spreading across open water as the tanker burned. It remains unclear how Russia will manage the environmental fallout from the spill .
Tourists in Sochi were ordered to stay indoors as thick smog filled the air. Beaches in the Sirius federal territory were closed, and water and air quality are being continuously monitored. Dmitry Plishkin, head of the Sirius federal territory administration, said pollutant concentrations remain many times lower than maximum permissible levels and pose no threat to health .
The Aframax Rio, built in 2004 with a capacity of 107,113 deadweight tonnage, was sanctioned by Ukraine in February 2026 and added to a list targeting vessels considered part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Its registered owner is Rio Enterprises SA, with management handled by Hellenic Tankers, linked to Cypriot shipowner Andreas Hadjiyiannis. The vessel has been linked to shipments of Russian oil from Baltic and Black Sea ports to Asian markets.
Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack. Russian authorities confirmed the vessel was struck by uncrewed surface vessels, causing the fire. Rescue teams could not initially approach the ship due to the intensity of the blaze. The fire was later brought under control, and no oil spill has been recorded in the sea, according to Russian officials .
The Black Sea has become an active war zone since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Attacks on commercial shipping have intensified in recent months, with the Joint War Committee expanding its high-risk area to cover nearly the entire Black Sea and Sea of Azov, except for the territorial waters of Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Georgia.
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