The Eventin, carrying 99,000 tons of crude oil, remains secure near Rügen as authorities monitor the situation.
Emergency Measures Ensure Tanker Stability
The oil tanker Eventin, which became immobile in the Baltic Sea, was moved closer to Rügen Island overnight. Several tugboats towed the vessel approximately three nautical miles off the coast near Sassnitz harbor. Authorities reported that two tugboats are now holding the ship steady while they plan the next steps.
Improving weather conditions, including reduced wind speeds, have stabilized the situation. A federal multipurpose ship and a police vessel remain in the area, ready to provide additional support if necessary. Officials stated that the Eventin’s position and condition pose no immediate risk, but they are maintaining heightened vigilance due to the tanker’s cargo.
Details About the Eventin
The Eventin is a 20-year-old oil tanker sailing under Panama’s flag. The 274-meter-long vessel was carrying 99,000 tons of crude oil when it became disabled. Environmentalists raised concerns over the potential ecological impact of a spill in the Baltic Sea, which is a sensitive marine ecosystem.
Authorities highlighted that the tanker’s age and maintenance issues likely contributed to its loss of maneuverability. This incident has amplified ongoing discussions about the risks of aging tankers transporting large volumes of hazardous materials in European waters.
Political Backlash and Criticism
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly criticized Russia in connection with the tanker’s condition. She accused Russia of endangering European security through various destabilizing activities. Baerbock mentioned severed cables, displaced maritime buoys, GPS jamming, and the use of poorly maintained oil tankers as examples of these threats.
She condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for employing “a fleet of rusty tankers” to evade sanctions while risking environmental harm. Baerbock argued that these actions also threaten tourism along the Baltic coast and reflect a broader disregard for consequences. She called for stricter measures to address such practices and their impacts on Europe’s security and environment.
Authorities continue to monitor the Eventin closely and assess the best course of action to ensure safety. The incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and greater oversight of aging vessels transporting hazardous materials in fragile maritime regions.
