Stricken Oil Tanker 'Eventin' Faces Challenges Amidst Embargo

The oil tanker 'Eventin,' laden with nearly 100,000 tons of embargoed oil, is stranded off the coast of Sassnitz. It is set to be towed to Skagen, Denmark, needing a special permit due to the embargo. The vessel, part of the Russian shadow fleet under scrutiny by Greenpeace, has experienced a complete engine failure. The harsh weather conditions, with waves reaching up to four meters, have significantly delayed the towing process.

The tanker, almost 20 years old and measuring 274 meters, faces additional challenges as its heating, cooking, and sanitary systems have failed, leaving its 24 crew members in dire conditions. The Havariekommando has transferred the operation to the Waterways and Shipping Office, while additional tugboats are en route to assist. Amidst these operational difficulties, concerns mount over the potential environmental impact should the situation worsen.

This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with transporting oil via aging tankers in the Baltic Sea, a concern echoed by the European Union and environmental organizations. With rescue operations underway, the focus remains on safely navigating the tanker out of German waters and mitigating any environmental threats.