The Eventin, carrying 99,000 tons of crude oil, has been secured off Rügen’s coast as authorities monitor the situation.
Rescue Operations Relocate Tanker
Emergency teams moved the disabled tanker Eventin closer to Rügen Island in a coordinated operation overnight. Several tugboats towed the vessel to a safe position approximately three nautical miles from the harbor in Sassnitz. Two tugboats are now holding the tanker steady as officials determine the next steps.
Improved weather conditions, including calmer winds, have helped stabilize the situation. A multipurpose federal vessel remains nearby for additional support, and a police ship continues to patrol the area. Although the situation is under control, the tanker’s cargo of crude oil demands constant vigilance to prevent environmental risks.
The Eventin: An Aging Vessel Under Scrutiny
The Eventin, a 20-year-old oil tanker registered under Panama’s flag, is 274 meters long and was carrying 99,000 tons of crude oil when it became immobile. Environmental groups have expressed concerns about the potential dangers posed by such an aging vessel operating in the fragile Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Authorities believe maintenance issues likely contributed to the tanker’s loss of maneuverability. The incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations on older vessels transporting hazardous materials through European waters.
Political Criticism of Russia’s Role
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia, linking the incident to broader security and environmental threats. She accused Russia of engaging in destabilizing activities, including severed undersea cables, displaced maritime buoys, GPS disruptions, and the use of poorly maintained tankers.
Baerbock described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reliance on “unsafe tankers” as a tactic to evade sanctions while risking severe environmental and economic consequences. She also warned of the potential harm to Baltic tourism and called for stronger international measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities are closely monitoring the Eventin as they plan further actions to ensure safety and prevent any ecological damage. The case highlights the pressing need for better oversight and stricter international maritime standards.