A seafarer has been hospitalised after a blaze broke out on a Turkish tanker off Russia.

The fire started in the engine room of the 6,000-dwt Ahmet Telli (built 2004) on 9 July, state port agency Rosmorport reported.

Russian salvage authorities said the first officer was taken to hospital after inhaling toxic smoke, but his condition was not life-threatening.

The Turkey-flag ship was moved to the outer roads of the Black Sea port of Temryuk due to fears of an explosion on board the vessel.

Konstantin Dereberya, a pilot from the Taman district department of Rosmorport, stayed on board to eventually help guide the vessel into port with the help of tugs.

He had arrived at the port on 9 July to bring the tanker into berth.

But a fire started as the ship approached Temryuk, cutting power to the vessel.

The Ahmet Telli was then anchored but the crew was unable to halt the blaze.

Authorities continued to monitor the status of the tanker after it berthed.

Operator Gemiciler Denizcilik Sanayi (Gemden Group) of Istanbul has been contacted for further information.

No port state control detentions

The vessel has never been detained as a result of port state control safety inspections.

The tanker is listed as being entered with the West of England protection and indemnity club.

Gemdem Group has seven small tankers in all.

VesselsValue assesses the Ahmet Telli as worth $2.5m.

It was acquired from Marnavi in Italy for $4.1m in 2014.