Damaged tanker linked to Russia's "shadow fleet" secured after drifting in the Baltic Sea

German rescue services completed the operation to secure the tanker "Eventin" on Sunday evening. The vessel had lost its maneuverability on the night between Thursday and Friday due to a power failure and was drifting in the Baltic Sea near the island of Rügen.

A handout photo released by the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) shows the oil tanker 'Eventin' drifting off the coast of Ruegen, Germany, on January 10, 2025. The 'Eventin', en route from Russia to Egypt, lost control in the Baltic Sea and is now drifting near Ruegen Island. A CCME spokesperson confirmed the ship poses no env

PAP/EPA/HAVARIEKOMMANDO/CCME

The nearly 20-year-old tanker, carrying almost 100,000 tons of oil, is currently located north of the Wittow Peninsula on Rügen, about 5 kilometers from the port of Sassnitz. The 274-meter-long vessel is being assisted by two tugboats while authorities decide on further actions.

According to the German news agency DPA, there is no environmental risk from a potential oil spill, and the situation is under control. The crew of 24 members is safe, with no threats to their health or lives, as confirmed by medical personnel who examined them.

The "Eventin," registered under the Panama flag, has been placed on Greenpeace's list of Russian "shadow fleet" vessels, involved in exporting Russian oil despite international sanctions.

Environmentalists also reported that the tanker had technical issues prior to its malfunction in the Baltic Sea and lacks adequate insurance for potential oil spill damage.

Tobias Voitendorf, head of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourism Association, has called for increased shipping safety on the busy Baltic waters following the "Eventin" incident.

Source: IAR/DPA

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