Russian intelligence ship catches fire off Syria's coast, rejects help

A Russian intelligence ship caught fire off the coast of Syria in the Mediterranean Sea and reportedly refused assistance from another vessel.

The incident involving the Russian ship "Kildin" occurred about two weeks ago, on January 23, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media. 

Various sources indicated that the ship burned for at least four hours in the open sea, near the port of Tartus, which remains under Russian military control on Syria’s coastline. 

A ship of one of the NATO member states operating in the area attempted to contact the crew of the Russian vessel and offer help. However, reports suggest that the Russian crew did not respond, possibly out of concern that allowing external assistance could expose classified equipment on board.

According to NATO estimates, the Russian ship, launched 55 years ago, was operating in the Mediterranean Sea, with a particular focus on the Turkish region. It was reportedly gathering intelligence on NATO member states and their vessels in the area. The crew had prepared to launch lifeboats and abandon the ship. However, they ultimately did not evacuate, as it seems the crew managed to control the flames. 

A signal flag featuring two black circles was raised on the ship’s mast — a traditional maritime signal indicating a vessel that cannot continue sailing or maneuver on its own. The ship remained in place and is believed to still be gathering intelligence, despite the damage. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Earlier, on December 23, 2024, the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in international waters between Spain and Algeria. Two crew members went missing, while the remaining 14 were rescued by maritime rescue services and taken to the Spanish city of Cartagena.  

The ship sank in waters between the Spanish municipality of Águilas and the Algerian city of Oran. While heading east toward the Strait of Gibraltar, an explosion occurred in the engine room, causing the vessel to veer off course and begin listing. Several ships operating in the area, along with the maritime rescue service and a navy patrol boat, were involved in the rescue operation.

By Naila Huseynova