For the fourth day, the drone-hit tanker Kairos remains stranded at sea off Ahtopol.
After three crew members were evacuated by air yesterday, today, December 8, a further four sailors were evacuated today in a new rescue operation.
A specialist from the Naval Forces was winched down from a Panther helicopter dispatched from the Chayka airbase. One by one, the crew members were hoisted up to the helicopter by rope.
The complex air operation was necessary due to rough seas, which made evacuation by Border Police patrol boat impossible.
The evacuated sailors will be flown to the Chayka airbase, where they will be received by Border Police teams and medical staff for initial examinations.
Three crew members remain on board, in line with the shipowner’s request.
Yesterday’s helicopter evacuation followed reports that the health of some of the 10 crew members had deteriorated.
After medical checks on land, none of the evacuated sailors required hospitalisation. They are currently accommodated in a hotel.
Meanwhile, the air operation also delivered food supplies, drinking water and a generator for those still on board.
Options for relocating the vessel are now being considered. A diplomatic-level meeting is expected today to clarify how the tanker entered Bulgarian waters.
The Ministry of Environment will test the seawater to rule out concerns about potential pollution in the Black Sea.
“At 7.00 this morning, conditions around the ship were calm. The vessel remains stable and does not pose a threat to the coastline. The condition of the crew remaining on board is good, and they are prepared for another four crew members to be evacuated before midday,” said Vice Admiral Rumen Nikolov, Director General of the Emergency Rescue Directorate at the Maritime Administration, speaking on the programme The Day Begins.
He added that the three sailors evacuated yesterday feel well, are housed in a hotel and do not require hospital treatment.
“One of the scenarios under consideration is for the ship to be towed to the anchorage off Burgas. Further decisions on its future operation will be for the shipowner. The shipowner has identified himself, has a representative on site and, under the law, will cover all costs and insurance,” the vice admiral said.
He clarified that under maritime law, payment is the responsibility of the shipowner.
“The company is Chinese,” he added.
According to him, the tanker has no electricity or heating.
“To improve conditions, in addition to sufficient food, water and communication equipment, a portable diesel generator was delivered yesterday. It cannot provide heating but does supply electricity. I trust that, as sailors, they are prepared for winter conditions,” Vice Admiral Nikolov said.
He expressed hope that an improving weather window would allow the evacuation to proceed more safely.
“Thanks to the exceptional professionalism of the helicopter pilots, everything went smoothly yesterday. Today, winds and waves are easing. I am confident the evacuation of the four sailors will also go well. The calmer conditions should allow Border Police and Maritime Administration inspectors to board, carry out the necessary inspection and establish direct contact with the remaining crew,” he added.
“The ship is vulnerable because it is close to the shore, at the worst place in the worst season,” said local fisherman Todor Lyubenov.
Knowing the force of the sea, he said locals fear that if conditions worsen, the vessel could be thrown ashore, potentially triggering an environmental disaster.
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On Friday, a tanker flying a foreign flag ran aground off the coast of Ahtopol, on the Black Sea. Evacuation efforts for the ten-member crew were delayed because of the bad weather on Saturday.
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