Senegalese authorities have launched an urgent maritime safety operation following an incident involving the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Mersin off the coast of Dakar. According to the port authority, seawater entered the vessel’s engine room overnight between November 27 and 28, forcing the ship to issue a distress signal and prompting immediate intervention.
The tanker is owned by Turkey’s Mersin Shipping Inc and managed by Besiktas Shipping, based on data from the London Stock Exchange Group. After the alert was received, tugboats and emergency response teams from Senegal’s navy and maritime authorities were deployed to the scene to assist in stabilizing the vessel and preventing any potential environmental damage.
While officials have not released detailed information about the cause of the incident, they confirmed that all crew members were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. The primary focus of the response has been to prevent any leakage of hydrocarbons into the Atlantic Ocean, which could severely impact marine life, coastal communities, and fishing activities in the Dakar region.
In a statement, the Dakar Port Authority said specialized teams are working to monitor the ship’s condition, seal any leaks, and reduce environmental risks. As part of precautionary measures, officials have surrounded the tanker with an anti-pollution containment boom and begun transferring its fuel cargo to reduce pressure on the damaged vessel.
Images circulating online, which Reuters has not independently verified, show the stern of the ship unusually low in the water. This could suggest significant flooding or a heavy load at the time of the incident, both of which can increase the risk of capsizing or fuel leakage.
Dakar is a major Atlantic port and a critical hub for trade, shipping, and fisheries in West Africa. Any potential oil spill in its waters could have serious ecological and economic consequences, making rapid containment efforts essential.
Authorities say they will continue assessing the situation and provide updates as further information becomes available.
Source:Africa Publicity
