Two tankers of the Russian "shadow fleet" engulfed in flames

Two tankers belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet", which Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions, have exploded in the Black Sea off the Turkish coast, Unian news agency reports. The tanker Kairos is believed to have hit a mine, causing a powerful explosion and subsequent fire.

There were 25 crew members on board, mostly Chinese, but all managed to evacuate without injury.

Shortly afterwards, the Virat also caught fire - the cause is unknown, but there is talk of a possible collision or explosion in the engine room. The crew of twenty was safe at the time of the incident and awaiting rescue.

Both tankers are on sanctions lists and are part of a network of ships designed to transport Russian oil out of Western sight.