Emergency Teams Move Tanker to Safety
Emergency crews towed the oil tanker closer to the German island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea. Salvage authorities confirmed that the Eventin now sits about three nautical miles from Sassnitz harbor. Overnight, multiple tugboats relocated the vessel from its initial position north of Rügen.
Two tugboats are keeping the ship steady while officials decide on the next steps. Improved weather conditions, with decreasing winds, have helped stabilize the situation. A federal multipurpose vessel remains on standby, and a police ship continues to monitor the area.
Details About the Eventin
The Eventin, an oil tanker flying under Panama’s flag, measures 274 meters and is nearly 20 years old. The ship became disabled while transporting 99,000 tons of crude oil, raising environmental concerns in the Baltic Sea.
Political Criticism of Russia’s Role
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia over the incident, linking it to broader security risks. She accused Russia of endangering European safety with acts like cutting cables, displacing buoys, and using rusty oil tankers. Baerbock also highlighted GPS jamming and disinformation campaigns as part of Russia’s destabilizing activities.
She condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “ruthless use of outdated tankers,” accusing him of evading sanctions while risking environmental and economic harm. According to Baerbock, such actions threaten Baltic tourism and reflect deliberate disregard for the consequences.
Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely and preparing the next steps to ensure the vessel’s safety and minimize risks to the region.
