Sea Baby marine drones reportedly hit two shadow fleet tankers; another ship, possibly damaged, taking on water off West Africa
Istanbul – Ukrainian sources, cited by CNN and AFP, have confirmed that Ukraine attacked two sanctioned tankers involved in the shadow trade of Russian oil while they were off the coast of Turkey. Turkish authorities had initially reported controlling fires on board, but one of the two ships was reportedly hit again the following morning. Separately, another tanker linked to Russian interests is reportedly taking on water off Senegal, suggesting a possible third incident.
According to Ukrainian security sources, a new version of the “Sea Baby” marine drone was used, with the aim of hitting Russian oil logistics. Videos circulating online reportedly show small boats slowly approaching the stern of the ships before the explosion. The Kairos reportedly suffered a serious fire, while the Virat was slightly damaged, according to the Turkish Ministry of Transport.
The Virat, anchored in the Black Sea awaiting orders, was assisted by a rescue vessel; emergency teams remained at a safe distance and no abandonment of the ship was requested. Towing towards Türkeli began on Saturday, with arrival expected on December 1st. Meanwhile, the Kairos was evacuated by its 25 crew members with no reports of injuries. The fire was extinguished overnight, but the ship is still leaking fuel oil and is adrift, preventing the placement of anti-pollution booms.
Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu acknowledged that the explosions on the two ships were caused by “external interference,” although he could not confirm whether they were hit by mines, drones, or other means. The incidents are part of a series of attacks in recent months against tankers linked to the Russian oil supply chain.
The two tankers hit on Friday reportedly belong to Chinese interests and have both been sanctioned for their activity in the Russian oil trade; according to the Equasis database, their flag is listed as “unknown” after a sale in 2025.
Separately, off Senegal, the tanker Mersin — 50,000 dwt, operated by Beşiktaş Shipping and flying the Panamanian flag — issued a mayday on the night of November 27-28, reporting flooding in the engine room. Although some Turkish media speculate about a Ukrainian attack, there is no confirmation, and the distance from the Black Sea would make an accidental explosion or a time-delayed mine more plausible. The crew was rescued by Senegalese authorities and the ship, abandoned, is now surrounded by anti-pollution booms while interventions to stabilize it and remove the cargo are being studied. AIS data indicates that the Mersin had called at several Russian Black Sea ports until August.
