Russia-Linked Tanker Hit by Explosions Off Dakar Coast

An oil tanker was struck by four external explosions off the coast of Dakar last week after departing Russia, officials said, raising questions about possible geopolitical involvement.

Security measures were implemented about 10 kilometres from Dakar to stabilise the Mersin, a Panamanian-flagged tanker operated by the Turkish shipping company Besiktas, carrying nearly 39,000 tonnes of fuel.

The cause of the explosions remains unknown, but the ship’s Russian origin has prompted speculation of a potential Ukrainian attack, according to experts.

“While the vessel was at anchor off Dakar, four external explosions occurred around 11:45 pm local time,” Besiktas Shipping said in a statement Monday, noting “seawater ingress into the engine room.”

The company confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities, and the situation was quickly controlled. It added that “no pollution” occurred and the vessel remained “safe and stable.”

Dakar port authorities said they responded to the tanker’s distress call, evacuated the mostly Turkish crew, and deployed resources to contain the damage.

According to ship-tracking data, the Mersin had sailed from the port of Taman on the Kerch Strait, connecting Russia to Crimea.

Speculation of Ukrainian Involvement

Several experts suggested the Mersin may have been targeted due to its links to Russia. Turkey recently reported attacks on three Russia-linked tankers in the Black Sea, allegedly involving Ukrainian naval drones.

Martin Kelly of EOS Marine noted that the Mersin “has repeatedly carried Russian crude and products” from ports including Novorossiysk, Tuapse, and Ust-Luga. Dirk Siebels, an analyst at Risk Intelligence, said the external explosions were unlikely accidental.

However, Igor Delanoe, deputy director of the Franco-Russian Observatory, cautioned that a Ukrainian attack was not certain. “If Ukraine were responsible, directly or indirectly, it would be the first in this area,” he said.

The Mersin is not listed among UN or EU-sanctioned ships, though two other Besiktas vessels are under Ukrainian sanctions.

Pollution Risk

Dakar port authorities established a security perimeter and deployed an anti-pollution boom after the explosions. Ibrahima Diaw, senior commander at the Port of Dakar, said pollution was “possible but could be avoided if measures succeed.”

Previous attacks on ships linked to Russia have occurred without Ukraine claiming responsibility, including the 2024 sinking of the cargo ship Ursa Major in the Mediterranean, described by its owner as a “terrorist attack.”

Dakar, a major West African port, lies along key Atlantic shipping routes connecting Africa with Europe and the Americas.