The Panama-flagged tanker Mersin suffered four external explosions while at anchor off the coast of Dakar in Senegal, but no injuries were reported, or any pollution was caused.
Besiktas Shipping, the vessel’s technical manager, confirmed that while the vessel Mersin (IMO 9428683) was at anchor off the coast of Dakar at approximately 23:45 UTC on November 27, four external explosions occurred, resulting in seawater ingress into the engine room.
“The situation was immediately brought under control, and we confirm that all crew members are safe; there are no injuries, no loss of life, and no pollution,” the Besiktas Shipping statement said of the Mersin’s situation.
“The vessel remains safe and stable, and it poses no navigational or safety risks to its surroundings,” Besiktas Shipping noted, adding that the company is working “in full cooperation with the authorized insurers and the relevant Senegalese authorities, managing the consequences of the incident and supporting the ongoing technical and forensic investigations.”
Senegalese authorities have launched a maritime safety operation following the incident involving the Panamanian-flagged tanker Mersin off the coast of Dakar.
The incident, which led to the vessel issuing a distress signal, prompted the Dakar port authority to mobilize specialized response teams.
Senegalese authorities immediately activated a crisis response, coordinating efforts among the Senegalese Navy, National Maritime Affairs Agency, and Port Authority of Dakar.
In a statement, Port Autonome de Dakar said an anti-pollution boom is being placed around the tanker as part of a precautionary measure.
The entire crew was evacuated without injuries.
Mersin is an oil/chemical tanker that was built in 2009. Her carrying capacity is 50.138-dwt and her current draught is 13.048 meters. Her length overall (LOA) is 183.09 meters and her width is 32.2 meters.
