Dakar, Senegal,2 December (H.S.): In a developing maritime incident, the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Mersin suffered four external explosions while anchored near Dakar, Senegal, late on November 27. The Turkish-managed vessel, which was transporting gasoil, experienced seawater ingress into its engine room but remains stable and secure. Remarkably, all crew members are reported safe, and no environmental pollution has been detected.This marks the third recent attack on tankers linked to Russian oil transportation, highlighting vulnerabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The vessel is under constant monitoring with tug assistance as Senegalese authorities have launched urgent measures to seal hull breaches, restore watertight integrity, and manage cargo transfer to prevent further destabilization or spill risks.Besiktas Shipping, responsible for the tanker’s operation, is actively cooperating with insurers and local maritime authorities to investigate the cause of the blasts and oversee damage containment.

The prompt crisis response underscores heightened vigilance in safeguarding the region’s maritime environment and shipping lanes.The incident follows similar explosions reported off the Turkish coast involving vessels associated with Russian oil, underscoring a troubling pattern amid sanctions and regional security pressures.

As investigations continue, the priority remains crew safety and environmental protection amid complex global energy supply challenges.This latest event adds to mounting concerns over maritime security in vital international shipping corridors, urging increased coordination among coastal states and shipping operators to prevent escalation and safeguard commerce .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar