Thursday, October 8, 2026 - A Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying 23 Indian crew members caught fire after an apparent drone attack off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi on October 6.
Russian authorities said the Aframax Rio was struck by an unmanned vessel, triggering a major blaze and sending thick black smoke over the area. All 23 crew members were rescued safely, with no injuries reported.
The attack has intensified concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where vessels are increasingly caught up in the wider Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia's Transport Ministry said crude oil was burning aboard the tanker, while local authorities temporarily restricted access to nearby beaches. Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, and the circumstances surrounding the strike remain under investigation.
The incident is also raising immediate concerns in India because of the large number of Indian seafarers involved. India has condemned the recent attacks on commercial vessels and called for an end to actions that endanger merchant ships and crews.
With several commercial vessels reportedly coming under attack in recent days, pressure is growing to protect international shipping and keep vital Black Sea trade routes open.
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