Turkish tanker leaks off Senegal coast as authorities race to prevent oil spill

The M/T Mersin tanker, operated by Turkey’s Beşiktaş Denizcilik, issued a distress signal off the coast of Senegal after water entered its engine room, raising fears of a major oil spill.

According to Senenews, the vessel was unable to dock and began listing. Senegalese authorities deployed floating barriers around the tanker and are preparing to remove roughly 500,000 barrels of hydrocarbons on board.

Deniz Haber reports that the Panama-flagged tanker, 183 meters long with a deadweight of 50,000 tonnes, had been carrying Russian oil. Some media outlets suggest the ship may have been hit by a Ukrainian drone, though there is no official confirmation.

The crew sent an SOS, prompting a rapid response from Senegal’s rescue services. Officials say they are operating “in emergency mode” to avert a potential environmental disaster.