Russian Tanker ‘Virat’ Issues Mayday Before Ukrainian Sea Drone Strike in Black Sea

A Russian oil tanker named ‘Virat’ issued a dramatic mayday call moments before it was struck by a Ukrainian underwater unmanned drone in the Black Sea on Saturday. It was the vessel’s second attack in 24 hours, according to Ukrainian security officials quoted by CNN.

The Virat, part of Russia’s sanctioned “shadow fleet” used to transport oil despite Western restrictions, was attacked alongside another tanker, Kairos. Ukraine’s SBU has formally claimed responsibility for the strike, confirming the use of Sea Baby naval drones in a coordinated SBU–Navy operation.

Emergency Call: “This is Virat. Drone attack! Mayday!”

Both tankers issued distress calls on an open frequency, warning of a “drone attack”, though they were referring to uncrewed maritime drones, not aerial ones.

In a recording, a crew member shouts:
“This is VIRAT. Help needed! Drone attack! Mayday!”

The alarm was relayed multiple times as the vessel attempted to alert nearby ships and authorities.

Turkey Confirms Second Strike

Turkey’s Transport Ministry reported that the Virat was struck again early Saturday, roughly 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.
Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uralolu said investigators were reviewing signs of an external impact, including the possibility of a mine, rocket, or underwater drone.

Despite the attacks, officials confirmed:

• Minor above-water damage

• No fire onboard

• All crew members safe and in good health

Tracking data showed the tanker slowing down and changing course toward land.

Severe Damage Reported by OSINT Monitors

Open-source intelligence monitors and Turkish authorities offered different assessments:

• OSINTdefender claimed the vessel was burning and beginning to sink

• Turkish authorities reported only limited damage

The ship was operating under a Gambian flag and had previously been sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU for its role in Russia’s oil export network.

Second Tanker Also Hit

Nearby, the tanker Kairos, also linked to Russian oil transport, was hit by an explosion on Friday. All 25 crew members were evacuated safely.

Neither vessel was inside Turkish territorial waters at the time of the attacks.

Ukraine’s Objective

A Ukrainian security official told CNN the operation aimed to cripple tankers crucial to Russia’s crude oil logistics:

“This will deal a significant blow to the transportation of Russian oil.”

Both tankers were reportedly rendered inoperable, striking at Moscow’s attempts to bypass sanctions through a fleet registered under flags of convenience.