Russia's phantom fleet and dilapidated tankers worry Germany
Germany has recovered a heavily laden tanker stranded off its northern coast, by towing the stricken vessel.
According to the German authorities, the vessel was part of the Russian “phantom fleet”.
The 274-meter-long Eventin was sailing between Russia and Egypt with almost 100,000 tons of oil on board when its engine failed and it lost its ability to maneuver, according to Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies.
As the vessel drifted in coastal waters, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock denounced Russia's use of “dilapidated tankers” to avoid sanctions on its oil exports, calling it a threat to European security.
(MH with AmBar/Source: Agence/Photo: DPA/ imageBROKER/alimdi/Arterra/Philippe Clém)