Ship fire in the Mediterranean. ‘Russian spy ship’

According to the French RFI station on Thursday 23 January Kildin spy ship has been spotted in territorial waters Syria About 20 nautical miles from the port of Tartus. From his chimney were coming out flames and thick black smokeWhich indicated a possible fire in the engine room. The ship dragged 2 black bullets on the mast, meaning in the law of the sea that is not liable for his movements.

The crew has gathered on the stern, preparing to evacuate. Other Russian vessels present in this area stayed distant and did not supply aid A spy unit. Like the Togo cargo ship Milla Moon, which approached a burning ship, but received instructions from his captain to depart.

After 5 hours The fire has been contained. Western forces, including the French Navy, carefully monitored the situation and were ready to intervene if necessary, although Russia She didn't ask for any help.

– It seems that The worst has been avoided – said the French officer, quoted by the RFI, adding that "it is not known whether the spy ship will be able to proceed its mission".

Kildin is simply a ship designed to collecting intelligence on tactics and techniques utilized by troops NATO. It is adapted to conduct electronic intelligence. In the autumn of last year, he sailed from a Russian military base in the Baltic Sea, and on 16 November he entered the Mediterranean Sea.

‘After attempting to carry out intelligence activities, especially in waters Spain, France and ItalyFor over a week, he was curious in Turkish exercises Mavi Vatan in the east Mediterranean" reported RFI military sources.

Before the Kildin fire last visible on December 17, erstwhile he left Tartus and since then disappeared from the radar, he informed a week ago, following his location the Itamilradar portal.

This is not the first incidental with a Russian ship in the Mediterranean; December 24 off the coast of Algeria sank cargo ship Ursa Majorwho according to the Chief Board of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence UkraineHe could carry a gun.. Its owner, Oboronlogistika – a company affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defence – reported that the sinking caused the three explosions to the right of the ship. Both the ship and its owner remained sanctioned by the US in 2022 for ties to the Russian army.

In early January, he operated in the Mediterranean. another Russian spy ship, Jantar. Followed by NATO aircraft and ships left these waters and sailed north, where a fewer days ago in the Channel, he was hunted by a Navy. United Kingdomwho sent HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne ships towards him. NATO believes Jantar collects intelligence and maps key underwater infrastructure Allied countries.

Jantar, although officially functions as a investigation vessel, works for Russian submarine investigation agency GUGIWhich NATO considers to be secret organization. Initially established as part of the Russian Navy, it is now straight subordinate to the Russian Ministry of Defence.