Oil Tanker Hit by 'External Explosions' Off Coast of Dakar

An oil tanker, the Panamanian-flagged Mersin, carrying nearly 39,000 tonnes of fuel, sustained four external explosions off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, last week.

The Turkish shipowner, Besiktas Shipping, confirmed that the blasts caused seawater to enter the engine room, though they reported no injuries, loss of life, or resulting pollution.

Senegalese port authorities responded to the distress call, evacuating the predominantly Turkish crew and initiating stabilisation measures.

oil tanker (News Central TV) — An oil tanker was hit by ‘external explosions’ off the coast of Dakar. Credit: Rivera Maritime Media

The cause of the explosions remains unknown.

The vessel had previously sailed from the Russian port of Taman, near the annexed Crimea region.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.