Russia Says Mines Found On Tanker
Russia has said several magnetic mines were found on a tanker at the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, triggering fresh security concerns around energy infrastructure and maritime traffic. The devices were reportedly detected during an inspection and later deactivated.
Magnetic Mines Found On Tanker
Russia’s Investigative Committee said divers found magnetic mines attached to the hull of the Liberia-flagged tanker Arrhenius. The vessel had arrived at Ust-Luga from Antwerp in Belgium to load liquefied petroleum gas.
Officials said the mines were detected during a hull inspection after the ship entered the Russian port on May 20. The tanker was scheduled to travel onward to Samsun in Turkey.
Ust-Luga Port Security Increased
Russia has increased port security after a series of suspected sabotage incidents involving tankers and energy infrastructure. Ust-Luga is one of Russia’s key Baltic Sea export hubs and handles major energy shipments.
The incident comes after earlier security concerns at the same port, including a 2025 blast involving the tanker Koala. Russian authorities have since ordered more inspections of ships entering ports.
Russia-NATO Claim Disputed
Russia claimed the mines were manufactured in a NATO country and said initial findings suggested they could not have been placed in Russian territorial waters. NATO, however, denied any role and said it had not mined any tanker.
The devices were deactivated, and no casualties were reported. The investigation is continuing as Russia examines whether the incident was part of a broader attempt to disrupt its maritime and energy operations.
