Tanker Catches Fire Near Sochi After Alleged Drone Attack

A large fire broke out aboard a tanker in the Black Sea near Sochi following an alleged drone attack.

The Russian Telegram channel ASTRA published video from the scene.

The footage shows intense flames at sea and a large column of black smoke visible from the shore.

As of October 6, Russian first responders had not officially reported either the cause of the fire or any information about possible casualties.

According to a preliminary version circulated by monitoring resources, the fire may have been caused by an attack involving a USV or UAV. This has not been officially confirmed yet.

The vessel in question is the AFRAMAX RIO, a crude oil tanker that was sailing under the Liberian flag.

On February 12, 2026, the vessel was added to the sanctions lists by a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, along with 90 other vessels belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

AFRAMAX RIO regularly exported Russian oil, particularly from Novorossiysk, Taman, and Ust-Luga. Its voyages were tracked by the Ukrainian monitoring group BlackSeaNews.

Ukrainian long-range strikes have repeatedly targeted the Sochi area. During an attack on September 4, Ukrainian drones struck nine oil storage tanks near Sochi Airport (Adler).

Pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet” is increasing not only due to Ukrainian strikes but also through actions by European countries. On August 31, the Italian Navy intercepted an oil tanker belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Mediterranean.

On July 22, EU law enforcement authorities detained the Russian “shadow fleet” vessel MV South Star.

On July 19, the Security Service of Ukraine struck a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the Black Sea using a Mamai USV.