Air Evacuation: Three Crew Members Remain Aboard the Stranded Tanker 'Kairos' Off the Coast of Ahtopol

A new air evacuation has been carried out to rescue sailors from the tanker stranded off the coast of Ahtopol. Four more crew members were lifted from the vessel with the help of a Navy helicopter. Three people remain on board. Meanwhile, authorities are searching for a so-called “place of refuge” where the tanker can be towed to safety. Bulgarian officials said the shipowner is responsible for covering all operational costs, and requested an explanation from Turkey over the vessel’s entry into Bulgarian waters.

The crew of the stranded tanker has been left without heating. Their sleeping area consists of piled clothes and blankets on the metal floor, after their cabins were destroyed in the drone attack. Shortly after 9 a.m., the Navy’s Panther helicopter flew over the vessel to carry out another evacuation.

Two days of rough seas have made air evacuation necessary. Four additional sailors from the tanker Kairos left the ship by helicopter today.

Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, Commander of the Navy:
“ You’ve just seen the helicopter land with the remaining four people from on board. They have now been handed over to Border Police and are undergoing medical checks.

Three stay behind?

As far as I am aware, yes.”

Both yesterday’s and today’s evacuations were successful, despite the strong winds that complicated the operation.

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said he had instructed Rear Admiral Mihaylov to prepare a list of personnel involved so they can be honoured. “These men deserve it. Last night we were very worried, especially about the second flight. Conditions were far from easy and the operation was carried out at dusk.”

• Bulgaria Seeks Clarification from Turkey over Tanker Kairos Entering Bulgarian Waters

The ministers of transport and foreign affairs met with Turkish diplomats in Sofia to request details on why the tanker had entered Bulgarian waters.

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev stated that Turkey’s ambassador had given “a clear commitment” to provide more detailed information from the relevant Turkish authorities about the events leading up to the ship’s arrival in Bulgarian territory.

The tanker had its tracking system switched off, but its route was traced from the data of the tug Timur Bay, which had abandoned it in Bulgarian waters.

Grozdan Karadzhov, Transport Minister: 'Timur Bay' is heading for the Turkish coast and at one point it sets off on a very clear course upwards, where it makes the rendezvous at point 1 and starts towing the tanker. Again from there, if you notice, on a fairly clear and fairly steady course, it sets off heading for the Bulgarian coast."

Arrangements are being made to supply more provisions for the remaining three sailors on board the ship, which remains off Ahtopol for the time being.

Vice-Admiral Rear Adm. "The main decisions will be taken by the shipowner. One of the scenarios, which has been developed at the moment, is to tow the ship by the tug to the ramp in front of Burgas. Insurance and the shipowner will undertake to pay the costs of the operations."

Local people are demanding that the operation to move the ship should take place as soon as possible.

Authorities are due to board the ship by Border Police cutter for the first thorough inspection. This can be done when the sea calms down.

Photos by BTA