By Matt Underwood It seems we have another incident to add to the growing list of “interesting developments” at sea, involving vessels with links to Russia. This time, it’s an oil tanker carrying diesel that has suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal. The ship’s manager, Besiktas Shipping, confirmed the event, stating that seawater entered the engine room of the “Mersin,” but thankfully, the crew is safe, and there’s been no reported pollution. This is particularly noteworthy because it marks the third such incident in just a few days, all involving ships that have been involved in the movement of Russian petroleum.
The previous incidents, occurring late last week, took place in the Black Sea and involved empty tankers. While responsibility isn’t always officially claimed, a source familiar with the situation suggests Ukraine’s security service might be behind those attacks. It’s a situation that has a lot of people talking, to say the least. Considering the broader context of the ongoing conflict, it’s difficult not to view these events as part of a larger strategy. The targeting of these vessels, particularly those associated with the “shadow fleet,” a term used to describe ships that are ostensibly owned by other countries but are essentially facilitating Russian oil exports, is definitely significant.
The “shadow fleet” is a clever, yet arguably ethically questionable, way for Russia to continue its oil trade despite sanctions. These tankers, although owned by different nations, carry Russian products for Russian profit, essentially acting as Russian assets while attempting to avoid direct scrutiny. The implications are clear: these ships are effectively fueling the Russian war machine. Because of this, they become valid military targets, directly supporting a conflict that has caused immense devastation and suffering.
The location of this latest incident, off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, is particularly interesting. It suggests that operations aimed at disrupting the flow of Russian petroleum are expanding geographically, reaching further into areas where Russia has been trying to establish influence. It is also interesting because West Africa is pretty far to operate some of these sea drones, while limpet mines and precision strikes are more common.
The precision of these strikes is also worth noting. Hitting the engine room, as in this case, rather than the cargo itself, suggests a deliberate attempt to disable the ship without causing a catastrophic spill. This approach seems designed to maximize impact while minimizing environmental damage. It’s a calculated move. There’s also the element of plausible deniability. Because the attacks are precise, it leaves room for interpretation, preventing a quick attribution of responsibility.
The sophistication of these actions is also raising eyebrows. Some sources have even reported camera footage of some of these strikes, suggesting advanced capabilities. This level of precision is not accidental. It speaks to a well-planned and executed operation. The lack of pollution in these incidents is worth highlighting, as it reflects a commitment to minimizing environmental damage. This, of course, is a significant consideration, especially when targeting vessels near coastlines.
The whole situation also underscores the importance of the “shadow fleet” in supporting Russia’s war effort. These vessels are essential for Russia’s ability to continue exporting oil, a crucial source of revenue for the country. Disrupting this flow can have a significant impact on Russia’s ability to fund its military operations.
This also seems like an attempt to disrupt the Russian war machine, to make it harder for Russia to fund their war crimes. And it seems to be working.
It’s clear that the situation at sea is a complex and evolving one. With each new incident, the stakes are raised. The international community will undoubtedly be watching closely as these events unfold, weighing the implications for both the war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.