Ukrainian Drone Attack Sets Liberian-Flagged Oil Tanker Ablaze Near Sochi, Rescuing 23 Indian Crew Members

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:58am on 07 Oct 2026,Wednesday International

A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi on October 6. Russia’s Transport Ministry said the vessel was struck by “naval drones,” causing crude oil to burn and producing thick black smoke. The tanker carried 23 crew members, all Indian nationals, who were rescued safely; reports initially differed on whether any crew member was injured. Firefighters faced difficulties controlling the intense blaze, while authorities restricted access to nearby beaches. The incident highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid escalating Russia-Ukraine attacks. 

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