Two ocean-going oil tankers, sanctioned for transporting Russian oil, reportedly exploded nearly simultaneously off Turkey's Black Sea coast.

According to local port authorities, the first vessel—the 900-foot (approximately 274-meter) Kairos—began taking on water after the explosion. Turkey's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs confirmed the incident and reported that another tanker, the Virat, was also struck near its coastline, emitting heavy smoke. The cause of the explosions remains unclear, and rescue operations for both vessels are underway.

These tankers were among hundreds assembled to sustain Russian oil shipments following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Kairos is under sanctions by the UK and EU, while the Virat is on the US and EU sanctions list.

Earlier in 2025, a series of explosions also affected multiple commercial ships with records of docking at Russian ports.

The current status of the vessels remains uncertain, and no party has claimed responsibility for the incidents (if they were indeed attacks).