Dramatic events shook the Russian sea port of Ust-Luga, after the tanker Eco Wizard, registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, became the subject of a dangerous incident with large-scale consequences. During an ammonia loading operation at the AT "MHC Eurochem" terminal, two consecutive explosive incidents broke out on board.
Immediately after the explosions, the tanker's hull sustained serious damage, with holes appearing that immediately began to let in seawater. The vessel quickly tilted to port, forcing the entire 23-member crew to be urgently evacuated to land.
Official Russian authorities are trying to downplay the incident, describing the ammonia leak as "insignificant". Independent experts, however, warn of a potential environmental threat that could affect the area and the neighboring Gulf of Finland.
Emergency services continue to work on eliminating the consequences, with divers set to conduct a thorough inspection of the damaged vessel. The tanker arrived at the port from Belgium and represents yet another proof of the increasing incidents - this is the sixth tanker to have suffered an explosion in Russian ports this year.
The previous similar case was recorded with the tanker Vilamoura near the Libyan coast, raising serious questions about the safety of maritime transportation in the region.