Tanker "Agnes" Faces Maneuverability Issues Near Gibraltar

Update January 20, 2025 09:00: Agnes Resumes Its Journey, Mystery Lingers

The oil products tanker Agnes (IMO: 9314167) is once again traceable via AIS, showing a clear course toward Paranaguá, Brazil. The vessel no longer appears to have any maneuverability issues, suggesting that its earlier difficulties near Gibraltar have been fully resolved.

Meanwhile, the crude oil tanker Almi Explorer (IMO: 9579547), which previously assisted the Agnes, is now located in the Western Mediterranean. Its involvement with the Agnes appears to have concluded.

As for the Russian Navy intelligence ship Yantar, which was speculated to be heading toward the Agnes, no further information has surfaced since it left the Mediterranean. Its current location and intentions remain unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding these recent maritime developments.

The Agnes’s sudden disappearance and reappearance on AIS, combined with the involvement of multiple vessels, have sparked curiosity in the maritime community. However, with the tanker now on a steady course, it seems this chapter may be coming to a close—though questions still linger about the events leading to its current position.

Update: The Mystery of the Tanker Agnes Deepens

The unfolding story of the oil products tanker Agnes (IMO: 9314167) has taken a surprising turn. Reports now indicate that the Agnes’s AIS (Automatic Identification System) signal disappeared shortly after its maneuverability issues near Gibraltar. Strangely, the signal has reappeared near the Suez Canal, with no recorded trace of its passage from Gibraltar to Suez.

This development raises serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the vessel. The abrupt reappearance of the Agnes in such a distant location, without any observable transit through the Mediterranean, adds to the growing mystery.

The earlier involvement of the crude oil tanker Almi Explorer, which left the area on January 18, and the potential arrival of the Russian Navy intelligence ship Yantar, now take on new significance. Whether these ships are connected to the Agnes’s sudden disappearance and reappearance remains unclear.

This mysterious turn of events highlights the complexities and intrigue of modern maritime operations. Stay tuned as more details emerge in this baffling case.

Update January 18, 2025 11:00 : 

The AIS signal of the Ship Agnes disappeared to appear again near Suez without any trace of the passage from Gibraltar.

Update January 18, 2025 10:00 : Developments Surrounding the Stranded Tanker Agnes

The situation involving the oil products tanker Agnes (IMO: 9314167) near Gibraltar continues to evolve, with new developments regarding potential rescue operations.

Russian Navy intelligence ship "Yantar" left Mediterranean sea today shadowed by US Navy and Spanish Navy ships #Russia #NATO

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— itamilradar (@itamilradar.com) 17 gennaio 2025 alle ore 16:29

On January 17, 2025, at 16:00, reports emerged that the Russian Navy intelligence ship Yantar had left the Mediterranean, closely shadowed by U.S. and Spanish Navy vessels. Speculation arose that the Yantar could be heading toward the Agnes to provide assistance. With an estimated arrival time of 6:00 AM on January 18, the Yantar’s involvement could mark a significant turn of events in the unfolding story.

Meanwhile, the crude oil tanker Almi Explorer (IMO: 9579547), which had been near the Agnes to provide presumed assistance, departed the area on the morning of January 18 at 10:00. The Almi Explorer is now reported to be entering the Mediterranean. The reasons for its departure and the nature of its assistance to the Agnes remain unclear at this time.

The involvement of the Yantar, an intelligence ship often associated with high-profile maritime missions, raises questions about the strategic interest in the Agnes situation. 

Update  January 17, 2025 09:00 : Tanker Agnes Receives Assistance from Almi Explorer

Following the earlier maneuverability issues faced by the oil products tanker Agnes (IMO: 9314167) near Gibraltar, a second vessel, the Almi Explorer (IMO: 9579547), has been observed heading toward the stranded tanker, presumably to provide assistance.

The Almi Explorer is a crude oil tanker sailing under the flag of Liberia. Built in 2013, it measures 274 meters in length overall (LOA) and 48 meters in width, with a summer deadweight of 157,787 and a gross tonnage of 84,216. Its current draft is reported at 9.3 meters. As a larger and more robust vessel, the Almi Explorer is well-equipped for rescue or support operations.

While the specific nature of the assistance is not yet confirmed, it is common in such situations for nearby vessels to provide logistical support, towing, or emergency provisions if required. The Agnes, which continues to experience reduced maneuverability due to moderate winds and sea currents, may benefit significantly from this intervention to ensure its safe navigation out of the area.

On January 16, 2025, the oil products tanker Agnes (IMO: 9314167), sailing under the flag of Guyana, encountered maneuverability issues near Gibraltar. Initial reports indicated that the vessel was non-maneuverable, raising concerns about its ability to navigate safely in the area. Later updates suggested that the tanker had regained some maneuverability, as reflected by its Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. However, the ship continued to struggle, being heavily influenced by wind and sea currents.

At the time, the ship faced a 0.4-knot current and 17-knot wind moving in the same direction. Experts estimate that under such conditions, a stationary tanker could drift at approximately 1.25 knots due to combined hydrodynamic and aerodynamic forces.

The Agnes is a large vessel, measuring 228 meters in length overall (LOA) and 32.24 meters in width. Its size and cargo make it particularly susceptible to external forces when maneuverability is compromised.

While the crew managed to regain partial control, the situation highlights the challenges tankers face in adverse weather and current conditions, particularly in congested areas like Gibraltar.

This incident adds to a growing list of similar reports involving Russian-linked vessels, raising questions about maintenance and operational protocols. However, no official statements or connections to systemic issues have been confirmed.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.