Liveblog Ukraine War: Ukrainian drone attack causes violent fire on oil tanker

According to Russian reports, a Ukrainian drone attack hit an oil tanker off the coast of southern Russia and caught fire. A tanker flying the Liberian flag was attacked by “sea drones,” the Russian Transport Ministry said. In addition, “crude oil is burning openly on the waters of the Black Sea” not far from the popular holiday resort of Sochi.

Because of its extent, the emergency services were unable to extinguish the fire, it said. However, the 23-member crew, all Indian citizens, were rescued.

Numerous videos and photos from Sochi spread on online services. Parts of the city of 500,000 inhabitants could be seen enveloped in smoke. Orange flames could also be seen blazing on the sea and a thick, black column of smoke rising from there. Access to the coast and beaches will be restricted, the city's mayor announced in the online networks.