Residents of the southern Bulgarian town of Ahtopol spent much of yesterday in alarm as a heavily damaged Russian tanker drifted dangerously close to their shoreline.
The vessel, identified as the Kairos, had been struck by drones in the Black Sea near the Bosphorus two days earlier, Turkish authorities confirmed. Bad weather later thwarted attempts to evacuate the ten-member crew, prompting local and national authorities to activate a crisis response.
The incident unfolded in the early afternoon when locals first spotted the tanker looming on the horizon. Many described its appearance as alarming—battered, listing slightly, and with crew members visible on deck.
“There are about 10 people there and people are in distress. Helicopters came. It is definitely on fire,” said Donka Atanasova, a resident who witnessed the scene from the shore. According to Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport, initial attempts to contact the crew were unsuccessful.
Officials then reached out to the Maritime Coordination Center in Ankara, which confirmed the ship’s identity and its prior involvement in a drone strike in Turkish waters. Only later did the crew establish communication and request emergency evacuation.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched soon after, but worsening conditions made the mission too dangerous. Strong winds and turbulent waves prevented the aircraft from flying safely close enough to retrieve the sailors. Despite the failed rescue effort, the crew managed to deploy the ship’s anchors before the vessel approached a perilous distance from the coastline.
Emergency responders said this move likely prevented a maritime disaster. “The good thing is that the depth in front of Ahtopol is about 45-50 meters, which means the anchors can hold tight and the tanker is empty,” explained Zdravko Vassilev, known publicly for his appearances on Big Brother.
“The ship is only about 100 meters from the shore. If the anchor breaks, in less than 30 minutes the ship will be on the rocks of Ahtopol.”
Local residents expressed deep concern as the tanker drifted closer throughout the day. Ahtopol, a quiet seaside town near the Turkish border, rarely encounters maritime incidents of this scale. The arrival of a damaged tanker—especially one previously attacked by drones—sent waves of unease through the community.
In response, authorities convened a crisis headquarters in Burgas to coordinate operations and maintain constant surveillance of the vessel. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that the Kairos is not carrying oil or hazardous cargo, significantly reducing the risk of an environmental spill. Officials stressed that the crew is safe and equipped with all necessary protective gear as they await improved weather conditions.
Border Police units were deployed along the coastline, using thermal cameras to monitor the tanker’s position and ensure continuous communication with the crew. Maritime experts and emergency teams are prepared to act quickly if the vessel begins to drift or shows signs of anchor failure.
The rough sea that hindered evacuation efforts is expected to subside in the coming days, at which point authorities plan to resume the rescue. For now, the crew remains onboard, secure but stranded, relying on stable anchors and coordinated monitoring from Bulgarian officials.
The broader regional context has added another layer of concern. The Black Sea has seen rising tensions and maritime risks in recent months, particularly near the Bosphorus and along strategic shipping lanes.
The drone strike that damaged the Kairos underscores these hazards and highlights the challenges for coastal states like Bulgaria when foreign vessels in distress drift into their waters.
As Ahtopol residents watch anxiously from the shore, authorities continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of the crew and prevent further escalation. The coming hours will be critical as weather conditions determine whether the long-awaited evacuation can finally proceed.