Aframax Rio tanker towed to safety after Black Sea attack

The Liberian-flagged tanker Aframax Rio has been towed to a safe location after an attack off the Black Sea coast, Russia's transport ministry said on 9 October.

Containment booms have been installed around the vessel and a reserve of absorbent material prepared. Marine Rescue Service specialists are assessing its technical condition. Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin chaired an incident-response meeting, Kommersant reported.

According to the ministry, unmanned surface vessels attacked the oil-laden tanker on the evening of 6 October. Oil was burning openly in the sea. The following day, the ministry said the open fire aboard the tanker had been extinguished.

Interfax also reported the towing operation, citing the ministry. Moving the tanker and installing booms are part of the response to the incident. Its technical condition remains under assessment, and the statement did not provide a final specialist conclusion.