Sochi beaches closed after drone hits tanker in Black Sea
Russian authorities closed beaches in Sochi and the Sirius federal territory after a maritime drone struck a Liberian-flag tanker, causing a large fire.
A maritime drone struck a tanker near the Russian coast of the Black Sea, triggering a large blaze and a plume of black smoke, the Russian Ministry of Transport said.
Authorities closed beaches in the resort city of Sochi and in the neighboring Sirius federal territory as a precaution while the fire burns offshore.
The attacked tanker was sailing under a Liberian flag, the ministry added.
Ministry assessment
"Crude oil is burning in the open waters of the Black Sea. Firefighting will begin as soon as its intensity decreases and when rescue vessels can safely approach the tanker," the ministry said.
The ministry statement described the incident as caused by a maritime drone strike and emphasized that extinguishing operations depend on safety conditions for response vessels.
Officials have restricted access to the affected shoreline until the situation stabilizes and response teams can operate close to the burning tanker.
Photo: socijalni mrezhi)
