Crude oil tanker Aframax Rio catches fire off Sochi after drone attack

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker Aframax Rio, linked to Cyprus-based interests, was struck by an unmanned surface vessel off the coast of Sochi, Russia. The attack caused a massive fire on the 107,113 dwt vessel, which was built in 2004. Registered to Rio Enterprises SA and managed by Hellenic Tankers, the tanker became the focus of a new escalation in the Black Sea conflict.

All 23 crew members, who were Indian nationals, were safely evacuated from the vessel with no reported injuries. Despite the intensity of the blaze, which initially hindered rescue operations, Russian authorities stated they possessed the necessary resources to manage the fire once conditions permitted safe access. Reports suggest the incident may have been a Ukrainian military operation, though investigations are ongoing.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Black Sea region. The vessel's management is associated with Cypriot shipowner Andreas Hadjiyiannis, the former president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners. Current efforts are focused on firefighting and securing the area.