Oil tanker burns off Russia’s Sochi after naval drone attack, sending smoke billowing over the coast. Photos and videos.

On October 6, an oil tanker named Rio caught fire in the Black Sea near Sochi, Russia. According to the Transport Ministry, unmanned boats launched the attack on the Liberian-flagged vessel. All 23 crew members were quickly evacuated from the burning tanker. The flames produced a towering column of smoke that could be seen from many kilometers away, and the pungent smell of burning oil wafted into central Sochi.

In response to the incident, both Sochi and Sirius authorities closed all beaches and advised residents to limit their exposure to the air by keeping windows and doors closed, wearing protective masks, or avoiding going outside altogether. Despite the fire, Sochi residents continued to enjoy the Primorskaya Embankment and cafes were operating normally, with tourists occasionally commenting on the unusual sight.

No sirens were sounded during the day, and there was no prior warning of the attack. According to the Rospotrebnadzor, the fire did not contaminate the Black Sea near Sochi, and pollutant levels remained within safe limits. However, beachgoers were still prohibited from entering the water as of midday on October 7. The incident occurred following a similar attack on September 9, when Ukrainian naval drones struck the Sochi embankment, causing injuries to nearly 30 people.

Although a warning had been issued, many tourists did not take it seriously and only began to flee after the explosions.