Oil tanker ‘Sled’ drifts in Baltic Sea with Russian crude oil

The oil tanker ‘Sled’, carrying Russian crude oil, has experienced engine failure in the Baltic Sea between the German island of Rügen and the Danish island of Møn. The vessel, which is approximately 189 meters long and flying the Bahamas flag, was traveling from the Russian port of Primorsk to Skagen, Denmark, when it slowed down and eventually came to a standstill near the Kadetrinne shipping route.

German authorities dispatched the emergency tug ‘VB Bremen Fighter’ from Mukran Port to assist. Danish maritime authorities and the Danish Navy command in Karup are monitoring the situation, with Lyngby Radio maintaining contact with the ship. The tanker is currently reported to be anchored about half a nautical mile outside Danish territorial waters.

The incident is occurring amidst a notable Russian naval presence in the area. The Russian landing ship ‘Aleksandr Shabalin’, which escorts Russian merchant vessels, was located near the tanker on Sunday morning. Another Russian naval vessel was also reported near Fehmarn. German federal police were deployed during the night due to the proximity of the Russian naval units and the tanker.