- A fuel tanker sustained an explosion at a major Russian Baltic port, partially sinking by the stern.
- All 24 crew members evacuated safely, and no oil spill has been reported yet.
- The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with conflicting official reports on the vessel’s condition.
A fuel tanker suffered an explosion in the early hours of Sunday at a key Russian Baltic port. The incident led to flooding in the engine room, causing the tanker to settle by the stern, though most of the vessel remained afloat, reports Maritime Executive.
Explosion at a Critical Russian Port
The explosion occurred while the tanker was preparing for departure. According to security-linked Russian sources, the blast originated in the engine room, with three separate explosions reported before the crew abandoned the ship onto the pier.
The ship’s engine room flooded, and the stern slowly settled onto the seafloor. However, conflicting official statements suggest uncertainty about the vessel’s true condition.
Conflicting Reports on the Vessel’s Fate
Russia’s Marine and River Transport Agency asserts that the vessel is not at risk of sinking and that its cargo tanks remain intact.
Leningrad’s regional governor called the explosion a “man-made incident” during engine startup but stated that the ship is still securely moored at the pier.
No oil spill has been detected, though Finland has placed its oil spill response teams on alert as a precaution.
The true extent of the damage and potential environmental impact remains unclear.
Aging Vessel with a Troubled Background
The tanker is 22 years old, which is past the typical retirement age for vessels of its kind. Additionally, it has changed its flag state four times in the past year—a red flag in maritime operations.
Despite infrequent port state inspections, its most recent checks did not reveal any critical deficiencies. However, the explosion raises questions about the vessel’s maintenance and operational standards.
Second Maritime Incident in Russia Over the Weekend
The explosion was not the only maritime incident in Russian waters this weekend. On Saturday, a large bulk carrier ran aground on a rocky shoreline off Sakhalin in Russia’s Far East.
These back-to-back casualties highlight ongoing maritime risks in Russian waters, particularly concerning aging or poorly monitored vessels.
Finland on High Alert for Possible Oil Spill
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that Finland is closely monitoring the situation and has placed its oil spill response teams on standby.
Given the tanker’s large fuel cargo and uncertain stability, regional authorities remain cautious about potential environmental consequences.
The Cause of the Explosion Remains Unknown
While authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, potential factors include:
- Mechanical failure in the aging engine room.
- Improper maintenance or operational oversight.
- External sabotage or attack (though no evidence supports this theory yet).
With investigations underway, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
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Source: Maritime Executive
