German Authorities Tow Adrift Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker Carrying 99,000 Tons of Oil Near Rügen

Jan 10, 2025, 07:47 PM

A Russian oil tanker, the Eventin, part of Moscow's so-called 'shadow fleet', has been adrift in the Baltic Sea off the German island of Rügen after experiencing a power failure. The 274-meter-long vessel, carrying approximately 99,000 tons of oil and flying the Panama flag, was en route from Ust-Luga in Russia to Port Said in Egypt when it lost the ability to maneuver. German authorities have secured the tanker and are towing it eastward to safer waters to prevent any potential environmental hazards. The operation involves three tugboats and is expected to take around eight hours. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia for using such vessels to circumvent sanctions, highlighting the risks to European security and the Baltic Sea's tourism. No oil leaks have been reported, and the ship's 24 crew members remain safe.