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Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker towed to German port

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A team of specialists was lowered onto the tanker to ensure that it stayed evenly balanced during tugging © Stefan Sauer/dpa/picture alliance
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After hours of towing, a German maritime emergency team brought the oil tanker Eventin to safety off a Baltic seaport. The vessel, part of Russia’s aging “shadow fleet,” suffered a full blackout late Friday.

The stricken oil tanker Eventin, which had run adrift in the Baltic Sea north of the German island of Rügen, arrived at a safe position off the coast of the harbor of the German port Sassnitz early on Sunday.

The tanker — with around 99,000 tons of oil and said to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet of vessels used to skirt Western sanctions — is to remain in place until a decision is reached on how to proceed.

What we know about the operation

The Eventin is being held in position by two tugboats in a roadstead around five kilometers (around three miles) off the coast, said a spokesman for the maritime emergency command. A roadstead is an anchorage where ships can wait safely at anchor outside a port.

It is still unclear when and where the 274-meter-long (about 900-foot) tanker with 24 crew members will be repaired.

The ship suffered a total system failure, a so-called blackout, in the night heading into Friday and drifted without control on the Baltic Sea for hours.

Rescue teams managed to set up tow connections to the tanker on Friday afternoon.

A specially trained team of experts was lowered onto the stricken vessel from a helicopter. They were tasked with ensuring that the ship’s load was evenly distributed among the tugs.

A spokeswoman for the emergency command said the ship was watertight and that there was no danger to the environment. Several tugs towed the ship from early Saturday morning, initially towards a sea area northeast of Rügen.

However, with numerous wind turbines in the sea near the original destination, the plan was changed to a position further around the island near Sassnitz.

Already showing technical defects

The environmental organization Greenpeace has the “Eventin” on its list of the Russian shadow fleet. It said the almost 19-year-old ship, which sails under the Panamanian flag, had technical defects even before the blackout and was inadequately insured.

According to the organization, this meant that in the event of a serious accident such as an oil spill, the taxpayer would likely have to bear the costs.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Friday criticized Russia’s reliance on rundown tankers in its “shadow fleet,” warning it was a threat to European security.

“By ruthlessly deploying a fleet of rusty tankers, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not only circumventing the sanctions but is also willingly accepting that tourism on the Baltic Sea will come to a standstill” in the event of an accident, Baerbock said, describing the tankers as “dilapidated.”

rc/ab (dpa, AFP)

EVENTS

NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PREPARATIONS REACH CLIMAX; POLICE ENGAGE IN NATIONWIDE WALKATHON As IGP calls for inclusive policing in Nigeria.

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PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PREPARATIONS REACH CLIMAX; POLICE ENGAGE IN NATIONWIDE WALKATHON

As IGP calls for inclusive policing in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force preparations for it’s maiden National Police Day is reaching its climax, as Police Officers in all 36 State Commands across the nation and the FCT engage in a grand walkathon to promote community engagement and raise awareness for the Maiden National Police Day grand finale coming up on the 7th of April 2025.

The nationwide walkathon, which commenced from 6AM today, 5th of April, saw participation from officers of all ranks, as well as members of the public. The event was aimed to foster stronger relationships between the police and the communities, promoting cohesion and mutual understanding.

Furthermore, in continuation of preparations for the grand finale of the National Police Day celebration, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today inspected parade rehearsals, exhibitions, amongst other activities at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The IGP expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, emphasizing the importance of a well-coordinated and impactful event to celebrate the gallantry and achievements of the Nigeria Police Force .

The IGP encourages all citizens to celebrate the Nigeria Police Force by actively participating in National Police Day events and show their support for the men and women who serve and protect our communities.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
5TH APRIL 2025

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Scavenger dies, three hospitalised as military grenade explodes in Lagos

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A yet-to-be-identified scavenger has been killed after a military-grade grenade exploded at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

Ekwutosblog learnt that three other persons were injured in the incident, which occurred on Thursday.

It was gathered that some scavengers in a metal scrap yard were attempting to dismantle one of the grenades in their possession.

The device, however denoted in the process, killing one of them on the spot while three others sustained severe injuries.

A resident, Akin Olawale, told our correspondent on Friday that the explosion which occurred in the afternoon also resulted in panic among residents.

He said, “A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause. It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated.”

Two undetonated grenades were said to have been found after security operatives arrived at the spot.

Another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, citing security reasons said the injured persons were taken to the hospital.

“We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital and that was when we knew what happened. Those people we saw were terribly injured. It was when the vehicle stopped by a filling station that we saw them. The driver could not even wait because of the queue,” the resident disclosed.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the command has rendered the place safe.

He said, “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed and three were hospitalised. The incident happened at about 1:30pm and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the place safe.

“The scene of the incident has also been cordoned off. There is a zero possibility of another explosion and investigation has commenced.”

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Adeyanju Commends AIG Gumel for Stance Against Emergency Declaration in Rivers State Amidst Persecution by IGP Egbetokun, Says Nigeria Need Courageous Men Like Him

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Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has praised Assistant Inspector General of Police Usaini Gumel for his principled opposition to the recent illegal declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement released to journalists, Adeyanju lauded Gumel’s integrity and courage during a time when such values are often compromised.

Gumel’s willingness to publicly criticize this unconstitutional action, despite the sensitive nature of his position, serves as a beacon of hope for Nigeria, according to Adeyanju. “If more individuals like Gumel rise to speak out against the erosion of our democratic principles, there remains hope for a brighter future for Nigeria,” he stated.

However, the human rights lawyer expressed concern over the swift action taken by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who transferred Gumel to the Community Policing, Research, and Planning department. This transfer reportedly followed Gumel’s candid remarks about the state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, raising questions about the integrity of the police force and the message it sends to those who challenge unlawful practices.

Adeyanju noted that Gumel’s comments were made informally among colleagues, and a breach of trust led to this unjust transfer, highlighting the urgent need for a supportive culture among those dedicated to justice.

He called on other courageous Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to emulate Gumel’s example. “It is important that we collectively condemn acts of lawlessness and uphold our constitutional rights,” Adeyanju urged, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for justice and the preservation of democracy in Nigeria.

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