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The Gambian-flagged oil tanker Kairos, damaged in a suspected naval drone strike in the Black Sea last week, was rescued and stabilized by Bulgarian maritime authorities, according to Rumen Nikolov, head of the General Directorate for Emergency and Rescue Activities at Bulgaria’s Executive Agency Maritime Administration (EAMA).
The vessel, which had been en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, came under attack on Nov. 28. It later requested assistance while drifting roughly one nautical mile from the Bulgarian coast near the town of Ahtopol.
According to the Bulgarian state news agency, 10 crew members of various nationalities remain on board in good condition. Authorities confirmed they have sufficient food and water for approximately three days. However, the vessel’s captain and officers are reportedly no longer present.
Communication was reestablished with the crew via Varna Radio and the Varna Coordination Center, prompting a coordinated response involving Bulgaria’s border police, navy, and maritime administration.
The Kairos is currently anchored about 700 (2296.5 feet) to 800 (2624.4 feet) meters offshore, maintaining position despite severe weather, including winds exceeding 15 meters per second and waves of 4–5 on the Beaufort scale.
Nikolov stated there is no immediate risk to the crew or the surrounding environment, though the vessel was visibly damaged and emitting smoke.
Rescue officials noted that once the weather improves, the ship may be towed to a secure area, likely the Bay of Burgas. Such an operation will require formal approval from Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers.
A person claiming to represent a Chinese company contacted the Bulgarian Coordination Center, asserting that the tanker is owned by a Chinese entity. However, officials have not yet established direct contact with the owner.
The Kairos, built in 2002, is subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Nikolov declined to speculate on allegations that the vessel might be linked to Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet" but emphasized that humanitarian concerns were the priority due to the tanker’s condition and lack of command.
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