Emergency Command Takes Over Operational Management as Drifting Tanker Threatens Baltic Coast

The oil tanker EVENTIN [Length: 274 m, Width: 48 m, Flag: Panama] became adrift on Friday afternoon in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea, north of Rügen. The vessel, unable to maneuver, posed a significant threat to the busy maritime area. In response, the Warnemünde Traffic Center requested the Incident Command to take over operational management. The ship’s 24-member crew has not been evacuated.

The tanker is carrying approximately 99,000 tons of oil, raising serious concerns about potential environmental risks. The vessel’s drifting trajectory in this high-traffic zone, which is also used for naval exercises, adds to the complexity of the situation.

To stabilize the situation, several key assets were deployed:

• The multipurpose vessel ARKONA from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.

• The emergency tug BREMEN FIGHTER, which successfully secured a tow connection at approximately 15:00 on January 10.

• Additional support from the tug BREMEN and a specialized rope descent team tasked with establishing towing connections.

• The reconnaissance aircraft Do 228, equipped with advanced sensors, is gathering situational data in the area.

The secured tow connection is now holding the tanker in position to prevent it from drifting uncontrollably. Tactical and operational next steps are under evaluation.

Observers noted the tanker’s drift in a high-traffic area of the South Baltic Sea. Maritime analyst auonsson reported on social media that the tanker and its escorts had drifted 2.5 nautical miles towards the shores of Rügen in a five-hour period. The vessel remains 5-10 nautical miles from the coast, but worsening weather conditions are expected, with wind speeds forecasted to reach 28 knots in a direction unfavorable to containment efforts.

The region’s dense maritime infrastructure and its use for naval activities further complicate the emergency response. The EVENTIN carries nearly 1 million barrels of oil, heightening the stakes of a potential spill.

With the tow connection secured, Incident Command is focusing on stabilizing the situation and mitigating risks. Detailed assessments and tactical decisions are being made to prevent the tanker from reaching sensitive coastal areas.

This incident highlights the critical importance of swift and coordinated emergency response in maritime environments, particularly in regions of strategic and ecological significance.