An oil tanker near Sotchi, Russia, caught fire after an attack by naval drones, triggering evacuation alerts and environmental concerns.
A massive fire erupted on the Aframax Rio, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker, near the Russian resort city of Sotchi on Tuesday night, after what Russia claimed was an attack by Ukrainian drones. The incident, reported by multiple European outlets, led to the rescue of 23 crew members—all Indian nationals—and sparked concerns about environmental damage and regional tensions. The Aframax Rio, which had a capacity of 700,000 to 750,000 barrels of crude, was en route from Turkey to Romania when attacked, according to Ukrinform.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Russia’s transport ministry stated the tanker was struck by “naval drones,” causing crude oil to burn openly in the Black Sea. The fire’s intensity prevented immediate firefighting efforts, though the crew was rescued. The Aframax Rio, sanctioned by Ukraine as part of its “ghost fleet” strategy, was en route from Turkey to Romania when attacked, according to Ukrinform. The ship, registered under RIO ENTERPRISES SA in the Marshall Islands, was operated by Navig8 Group and Greek management firm Hellenic Tankers Co Ltd.
The vessel, designated IMO number 9273844, had departed Tuzla, Turkey, on September 11, 2026, and made a stop in Samsun, Turkey, before arriving at Constanța, Romania, on September 22. Its final recorded position, according to MarineTraffic, was approximately 15 kilometers from Sotchi at 23 hours. The ship was included on Ukraine’s list of 90 other navires de la flotte fantôme de la Fédération de Russie sous la décision du Conseil national de sécurité et de défense de l’Ukraine du 12 février 2026. It was not listed in EU sanctions but was described by Ukrinform as part of Russia’s “ghost fleet.”
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in the Black Sea, where both Ukraine and Russia have targeted commercial vessels. The Aframax Rio was located approximately 15 kilometers from Sotchi at the time of the attack, according to Ukrinform.
The 23 crew members were rescued, and the fire’s intensity delayed firefighting efforts. Sotchi’s mayor restricted access to beaches and advised residents to stay indoors due to smoke, according to Le Soir. The incident mirrored prior Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, which have caused oil spills, beach closures, and toxic rain.
Ukraine Accuses South Korea of Facilitating Russian Oil Shipments
Ukraine framed the attack as a response to Russian strikes on its cities, with officials emphasizing the targeting of petroleum infrastructure.
The Ukrainian government accused South Korea of facilitating oil shipments to Russia, citing a statement from Vladyslav Vlasiou, Zelensky’s sanctions advisor, who said such deliveries are in clear contradiction with Seoul’s sanctions policy.
It allocated €130 million on October 2, 2026, to bolster its drone defense industry, as noted in Ladepeche. Russia’s defense ministry reiterated claims of Ukrainian drone strikes, while Ukrainian officials have not yet claimed responsibility. The incident also highlighted tensions over the Aframax Rio’s status as a sanctioned “ghost fleet” ship, with Ukrinform noting its inclusion on Ukraine’s list of Russian-linked vessels as of February 12, 2026.
Ukrainian authorities have intensified targeting of Russian oil infrastructure since 2022, with prior attacks causing environmental damage. Le Soir and Lalibre reported that the Russian transport ministry described the attack as an assault by unmanned vessels,
while Ukrainian officials have not yet claimed responsibility.
Sotchi Mayor Restricts Beach Access Due to Smoke
The fire raised alarms about environmental consequences, with prior Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure linked to oil spills and toxic rain. Sotchi’s mayor restricted access to beaches and advised residents to stay indoors due to smoke, according to Le Soir. The Aframax Rio, capable of carrying 700,000 to 750,000 barrels of crude, remains a focal point for ongoing investigations into the attack’s scale and origins. The ship’s last known position, recorded by MarineTraffic, was near Sotchi at 23 hours.
As of October 7, no official confirmation of the attack’s perpetrators has been released, though both sides continue to exchange accusations. The incident highlights the escalating risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea, a critical route for global energy and grain trade.
