Russian tanker that sank off the coast of Africa suffered external damage

This is the third vessel linked to the Russian “shadow fleet” to be hit by explosions in recent days.

The Russian-linked tanker M/T Mersin, which sank off Senegal, was hit by explosions, Bloomberg reported.

The oil tanker, which was carrying diesel fuel and had repeatedly called at Russian ports, suffered four external damages near Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

According to the Turkish company Besiktas Shipping, water entered the engine room, but the vessel remains afloat, the crew was not injured, and no fuel leaks were recorded. The shipowner is working with insurers and Senegalese authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

Analysts at Kpler confirm that the Mersin has made several trips to Russian ports this year, likely as part of “shadow” fuel transportation schemes.

According to the Senegalese port administration, the vessel has been stabilized, the hull is being sealed, and the fuel is planned to be reloaded to avoid the risk of flooding during water pumping.

Also, the day before, the Ukrainian Navy responded to Turkey’s concerns over the attack on Russian tankers.