Germany says a Russian oil tanker with over 99,000 tons of cargo was stranded in the heavy seas off its northern coast on Friday. The ship, Eventin, lost power and steering, prompting three tugboats to secure it after a helicopter dropped towing specialists onto the vessel.
According to Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, no oil leaks were reported despite rough weather conditions with waves up to 2.5 meters high. The tanker was on its way from Russia’s Ust-Luga port to Egypt’s Port Said port when it became stricken in coastal waters off Rügen island.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s use of “dilapidated” tankers, dubbed the “shadow fleet,” has raised concerns about safety and security. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia’s reliance on these tankers, calling them a threat to European security and warning that accidents could ground tourism in the Baltic Sea. The US and EU have also imposed sanctions on ships believed part of the shadow fleet, with over 70 EU-sanctioned vessels and more than 180 US and UK sanctioned ships announced recently.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-says-russia-shadow-fleet-ship-adrift-in-baltic-sea/a-71270172