News
Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker Found Adrift in Baltic Sea
A Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, Eventin, believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” was discovered adrift in heavy seas off Germany’s Baltic Sea coastline. The vessel, reportedly carrying 99,000 tons of Russian oil bound for Egypt, went adrift for several hours on Saturday, prompting a rescue operation.
A tugboat from Bremen successfully towed the tanker into safer waters near the German island of Rügen. While there was no immediate environmental threat, the incident has raised concerns about maritime security and sanctions evasion efforts by Moscow.
Greenpeace: Part of Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
Environmental organization Greenpeace has labeled the Eventin as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of aging tankers allegedly used to circumvent international sanctions. These sanctions, imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aim to cut off key revenue sources for the Russian state. The fleet is said to consist of hundreds of older vessels that operate under foreign flags to evade detection and maintain oil exports.
Germany’s Response
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the incident, calling it a threat to both regional security and tourism in the Baltic Sea.
“This shows that Russia is endangering European security not only through its war of aggression on Ukraine but also through sabotage, disinformation, and the operation of dilapidated oil tankers,” Baerbock said.
She emphasized that Moscow’s use of a “nefarious fleet of rusty tankers” poses significant risks, including potential environmental disasters and economic harm to tourism in the Baltic region.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the challenges of enforcing sanctions on Russian oil exports. Despite international restrictions, oil revenue remains a critical component of Russia’s economy, and vessels like the Eventin are believed to play a key role in sustaining these flows.
The use of aging and potentially unsafe tankers increases the risk of accidents and environmental damage, particularly in sensitive marine regions such as the Baltic Sea. Environmental groups have long warned that these ships, often poorly maintained, pose serious hazards to maritime ecosystems.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the Eventin drifting in the Baltic Sea. While there is no evidence of immediate sabotage or technical failure, questions remain about the safety and monitoring of such vessels.
This incident underscores the complexities of maritime security in the face of evolving geopolitical tensions and the lengths to which nations might go to circumvent international restrictions.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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