The tanker "Kairos" is in a stable position, there is no environmental pollution, and preparations are set to begin for moving it to a safe location. This was stated by the Director of the Executive Agency "Maritime Administration"-Burgas, Zhivko Petrov, following the initial inspection of the ship carried out today.
Today, inspectors from the "Maritime Administration" and a Border Police team boarded the ship for a preliminary check. The inspection confirmed earlier reports of serious damage to the stern of the vessel.
"The ship is completely devoid of the ability to independently provide electrical power or use any mechanisms. The engines are out of order, and the emergency diesel generator is not working," stated Captain Zhivko Petrov.
"The inspection confirms that water entered the engine room as a result of a breach in the stern, sustained following a drone strike," said Zhivko Petrov. Since then, there have been no further leaks, and the water around the ship is not polluted.
"The ship has been under continuous observation for five days, and no leakage has been observed," he emphasised.
The tanker is currently holding steadily on its starboard anchor, deployed on 150–200 metres of chain. The port anchor is jammed and cannot be used. "The forward part of the ship is intact and stable. There is no danger to the shore," assured Petrov.
An operation to raise the anchor is forthcoming, which requires restoring the hydraulics using external generators. "With external power supply, we will attempt to activate the ship's hydraulics to ensure the anchor can be raised. Following this, it will be towed by tugs to a safer point in the Bay of Burgas," explained Zhivko Petrov.
There are three crew members on board, including a watchkeeping officer, who are monitoring the tanker's condition daily.