Germany has secured a tanker stranded off its northern coast, towing it away from shore to avoid an oil spill. The 274-meter-long Eventin was sailing from Russia to Egypt with almost 100,000 tonnes of oil on board when its engine failed, leaving it unable to maneuver.
The ship’s failure occurred as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” strategy to circumvent sanctions on its oil exports. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the move, calling it a threat to European security and a result of Russia’s use of “dilapidated oil tankers.”
Three tugs are working together to steer the Eventin northeast, away from the coast and toward a safer area with more sea space. The operation is taking place in rough seas with 2.5-metre-high waves and strengthening wind gusts.
The ship was intercepted off the island of Ruegen, just 14 kilometers from the coast, but no oil leaks were detected during surveillance overflights. Responders have provided radios and flashlights to the stranded crew.
The rescue operation is expected to take around eight hours to complete, with the tanker due to arrive in safer waters by mid-morning.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/11/germany-races-to-secure-stricken-russian-shadow-fleet-oil-tanker-2-a87574