The tanker attacked by drones, which yesterday dropped anchor less than a kilometer from the coast of Ahtopol, remains in place. The strong excitement prevents the Bulgarian authorities from reaching the crew and inspecting the ship.
This is one of the two tankers that were hit by drones in the Bosphorus in the middle of the week. It sails under the flag of Ghana, bTV reported.
The Director of the General Directorate of the "Border Police", Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, explained that at around 12:15 on Friday, the ship was intercepted by Bulgarian institutions. “In the first hours, there was no contact on the radio communication channels, the crew did not communicate with the Bulgarian authorities. We formed a headquarters, a little later the crew began to respond to our messages“, explained Zlatanov.
After contact with the vessel was established, instructions were given. There are 10 crew members on board the “Kairos“, all of whom are well, the Bulgarian authorities report, adding that the vessel is empty. However, the captain is not on the tanker.
“The crew's condition is good, they have food and water for three days. The tanker is located 700-800 meters from the coast of Ahtopol. The wind is over 15 meters per second, the sea is 4-5 balls, the ship is holding steady and does not pose a danger to either the crew or the environment“, explained Rumen Nikolov, director of the “Emergency and Rescue Activities“ Directorate to the “Maritime Administration“.
According to him, the Bulgarian authorities detected the tanker while it was being towed by a Turkish search ship. After the two vessels separated, the “Maritime Administration and Border Police“ were notified to take measures. It is yet to be determined why the ship was dragged into Bulgarian territorial waters. Talks are underway with Turkey, on whose territory the tanker was hit by a Ukrainian drone.
“We have ensured constant contact with the ship's crew. At the moment they do not need evacuation actions. As soon as the wind weakens and we have access by helicopter, we will provide them with equipment, food and water“, said Burgas Regional Governor Vladimir Krumov.
Once the weather calms down, the ship will be towed to a safe place in the Burgas Bay area. However, a decision by the Council of Ministers is needed for this purpose. The tanker is owned by a Chinese company, and contact is being sought with it.
According to local fishing boat captains, the weather will stabilize in a few days. Locals are mostly worried about the consequences for tourism.
„This is happening in the worst possible conditions. Strong easterly wind, huge waves and many unknowns. I have serious concerns that despite the claims that the ship is empty, I think there is enough fuel inside. If the ship crashes into the rocks - it will cause damage to the entire coast“, commented Zdravko Vassilev.
There is no risk of environmental pollution, the tanker is not transporting oil, the Bulgarian authorities are categorical. The inspection is being carried out by air, and the „Border Police“ is conducting constant monitoring with thermal cameras.