Russian 'Shadow' Ship Stranded in Baltic Sea, Germany Reports

Germany says Russian 'Shadow' Ship Stuck in Baltic Sea

Germany's maritime authorities released pictures of the Eventin tanker and their tugboats carrying out the rescue operation.

Oil Tanker Rescue Operation

German authorities have identified an oil tanker stuck in German waters as part of Russia's "shadow fleet" designed to evade sanctions. The Panamanian-flagged ship, named Eventin, experienced power and steering failure, prompting the deployment of tugboats to secure the vessel.

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, accused Moscow of using a fleet of aging tankers to bypass sanctions and endanger European security. Russia has not yet responded to these allegations.

Sanctions and Response

The US, UK, and EU have imposed sanctions on Russia's oil industry following its invasion of Ukraine. The tanker, carrying 99,000 tonnes of oil, was drifting in the Baltic Sea near the German island of Rügen.

A team of specialists was airlifted onto the vessel to establish towing connections, allowing three tugboats to take control of the immobilized tanker. Despite rough seas with high waves and strong winds, no oil leaks were reported.

Escorting the Tanker

The convoy of tugboats, moving at a slow pace, is leading the tanker towards Sassnitz on the island of Rügen. Germany has taken precautions due to adverse weather conditions in the area.

Blaming Russia for the Incident

Although the Eventin flies the Panamanian flag, German authorities hold Russia responsible for the incident. The European Union has also expressed concerns over Russia's shadow fleet, linking it to security threats and environmental risks.

Escalation of Sanctions

Western countries, including the US and UK, have intensified sanctions on Russian oil companies, targeting vessels associated with the shadow fleet. These measures aim to cripple Russia's oil exports and weaken its war efforts in Ukraine.

Despite facing backlash from Russian companies like Gazprom Neft, the US and UK remain steadfast in their sanctions to support Ukraine and limit Russia's financial resources.

Conclusion

The incident involving the Eventin tanker highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly in the context of Ukraine's conflict. As diplomatic and economic pressures escalate, the maritime industry becomes a focal point for enforcing sanctions and monitoring illicit activities.