Germany is working to secure the Russian oil tanker Eventin, which was stranded after losing power on 10 January off the northern coast of the island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea.
The tanker, carrying nearly 100,000 tons of oil, lost power while en route from Russia to Egypt, drifting dangerously close to the coast. Authorities, including three tugboats, tried towing the vessel to safer waters amid stormy conditions, with waves up to 2.5 meters and strong winds complicating the operation.
As of the latest update, the tanker Eventin has been secured, with two tugboats holding it in position near Sassnitz.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia’s use of aging tankers, part of a “shadow fleet” designed to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports. She warned that these “dilapidated” vessels pose a threat to European security, highlighting the danger of environmental disasters and disruptions to tourism in the Baltic.
While no oil leaks have been detected, the situation remains a significant risk to both the environment and regional security.