- Crew Rescued Without Casualties as Authorities Respond to Fire Aboard Liberian-Flagged Aframax Rio
MOSCOW: A Liberian-flagged oil tanker came under attack by unmanned surface vessels off Russia’s Black Sea coast, prompting an emergency response by Russian authorities, the Ministry of Transport said.
The tanker, identified as the Aframax Rio, was carrying oil when it was targeted by drone boats, according to the ministry. The attack triggered a crisis-response operation led by Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin.
The ministry said all members of the tanker’s crew were successfully rescued and that no casualties were reported.
Following the attack, oil caught fire aboard the vessel. Russian authorities said firefighting operations would begin once the intensity of the blaze decreases to allow responders to work safely.
A headquarters established to coordinate the response assessed the situation and determined that the forces and resources currently available were sufficient to manage the consequences of the attack.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the tanker and the surrounding maritime area while emergency teams remain on standby to contain the fire and address any environmental or navigational risks arising from the incident.
BY: The Times Union
