Bulgarian MFA Seeks Clarification from Turkey on "Kairos" Tanker Incident Near Ahtopol

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadjov met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria, Mehmet Uyanık, and requested an explanation from Turkey regarding the entry of the ship “Kairos” into Bulgarian waters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced.

The meeting was initiated on Friday by the Bulgarian side in connection with the incident with the tanker, which dropped anchor near Ahtopol and the need for a full and timely clarification of all the circumstances of the case, the Foreign Ministry added. 

Minister Georgiev requested information regarding the reasons and the way in which the vessel entered Bulgarian territorial waters, emphasizing the expectation of the Bulgarian institutions for open and constructive cooperation from the Turkish competent authorities. Minister Karadjov presented detailed information on the movement of the tug Timur Bey from Turkish to Bulgarian territorial waters, as well as the exact coordinates from which the towing of the tanker “Kairos” began.

The data clearly indicate movement towards the Bulgarian coast, entry into Bulgarian territorial waters and abandonment of the tanker six miles from the coastline.

During the meeting, issues related to regional security in the Black Sea were also discussed, the statement said. Georg Georgiev stressed the importance of the region as a strategic element of the security of Europe and the transatlantic community, especially in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. He emphasized the need for enhanced coordination within NATO, improved situational awareness and effective measures against hybrid threats.

The MFA will continue to closely monitor the development of the situation and maintain active coordination with the competent institutions and allies.

Earlier today, four people from the crew of the ship “Kairos”, which ran aground near Ahtopol three days ago, were evacuated. Soldiers from the naval forces carried out the successful operation with the helicopter “Panther”, the press center of the Ministry of Defense told BTA. 

BTA recalls that in the late afternoon of December 7, three people were evacuated from the vessel, who are accommodated in Varna. Food and water were delivered to the remaining part of the crew by air. A diesel generator was also delivered on board. By decision of the shipowner, three people will remain on board the ship, the Ministry of Transport and Communications specified yesterday.