Working Conditions Aboard the Mersin

The Port Authority of Dakar has proudly announced the successful completion of recovery operations for the damaged tanker 'Mersin', which departed from the port on May 8. The comprehensive response included a series of meticulous steps orchestrated to ensure the vessel’s safe departure to Aliaga, with an estimated time of arrival set for May 30. Throughout this critical process, authorities undertook thorough investigations and secured the vessel, addressing breaches and draining the engine room. Collaboration was key, as the Senegalese Navy participated alongside the High Authority for Maritime Security, Safety, and Marine Environmental Protection (HASSMAR), and the National Maritime Affairs Agency (ANAM) for a coordinated response. Once the cargo was successfully unloaded through transshipment, the 'Mersin' was towed back to its home port at 6:30 p.m. on May 8. Remarkably, no environmental damage resulted from the incident, and all necessary administrative protocols were adhered to during the intervention.

On April 13, the Port Authority of Dakar provided a detailed update on the ongoing operations concerning the vessel 'Mersin'. Maritime authorities confirmed that all interventions were proceeding as per the established operational plan, meticulously coordinated among the relevant agencies. A series of technical operations have been conducted effectively, including the investigation and securing of 'Mersin', sealing breaches found in the engine room, and draining any remaining water from this area. These crucial tasks were executed in close partnership with the Senegalese Navy, the High Authority for Maritime Safety (HASSMAR), and the National Agency for Maritime Affairs (ANAM). The unloading process commenced on April 6 through transshipment, marking a pivotal move in eliminating the risk of pollution to the surrounding marine environment. As operations progress, the focus will shift towards towing the vessel out of the area. Once all cargo has been unloaded, arrangements will be made with the owners for towing the 'Mersin' back to its home port for necessary repairs. All parties involved are fully dedicated to executing this operation, prioritizing safety and the protection of the marine ecosystem.

Following the explosions that occurred on November 27, 2025, near Dakar’s coastline, the tanker 'Mersin' has evolved into a multifaceted legal saga, replete with ambiguity, economic competition, and geopolitical tensions. In spite of uncertainties surrounding the vessel's identity and ownership, authorities permitted its unloading in Senegal. As legal proceedings remain ongoing without a clear resolution, multiple parties have laid claim to ownership of the ship. Meanwhile, around 28,000 tons of diesel fuel have changed hands, igniting concerns over product traceability and the legitimacy of transactions amidst rising energy supply challenges. This incident underscores the broader structural issues related to energy governance, transparency, and the economic self-determination of African nations amid increasingly intricate global energy dynamics.

As of January 28, 2026, the 'Mersin' tanker continues to be immobilized approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, where it was attacked on November 28, 2025. This incident marked a significant event as it is believed to be the first instance of a vessel associated with the suspected Russian ghost fleet coming under fire in African waters, potentially sending a warning to Moscow. The Mersin, under the management of Turkish shipping giant Besiktas, had set sail from the Russian port of Taman on August 21, 2025, making a stop in Togo before entering Senegalese territorial waters. Due to its considerable draft, the vessel has been unable to enter the port and has remained anchored in the outer harbor, creating confusion among maritime traffic analysts regarding its prolonged inactivity. According to the Port Authority of Dakar, the Mersin has achieved a state of stabilization since the attack. Repairs are underway as breaches in the hull—two located on the port side and two on the starboard side—were successfully sealed, and efforts are ongoing to drain the inundated engine room. However, the removal of the onboard fuel has yet to be addressed. Notably, the hull of the Mersin sustained four punctures, with the most significant breach exceeding one meter in width, exposing damaged piping within the vessel. Military analysts suggest that the nature and precision of the damage indicate the use of magnetic mines, likely deployed by divers with a minimum of 5 kg of explosives for each breach. This explosive force was sufficient to compromise the ship's steel hull, which features plates ranging from 15 to 20 mm in thickness. The inward denting at the site of the breaches further corroborates the impact of an external shockwave and highlights that the damage is concentrated in the engine room. This targeted approach appears to have been aimed at disabling the Mersin rather than sinking it, leaving approximately 39,000 tons of fuel onboard. The meticulous execution of this operation suggests involvement from a powerful entity with advanced diving capabilities.

The maritime crisis involving the 'Mersin', which was at risk of sinking while carrying 39,000 tons of diesel fuel, has seen significant progress. Emergency operations have successfully sealed the breaches in the vessel's hull, allowing the tanker to stabilize after lightering part of its cargo. As of December 31, a total of 18,000 tons of fuel has been safely removed from the vessel, thanks to the mobilization of the salvage tug 'Touba Tawfekh'. The ongoing efforts to secure the oil tanker and its remaining cargo are being spearheaded by the High Authority for Coordination, Maritime Security, Maritime Safety and Marine Environmental Protection (HASSMAR), in partnership with the National Navy, the African Refining Company, Gendarmerie, Port of Dakar, and Customs authorities, among others. In addition to the salvage operations, authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosions that threatened the safety of the vessel and nearby marine environments. The situation continues to be closely monitored as efforts are made to ensure the full integrity and safety of the 'Mersin' and its cargo.

Following a thorough investigation by Senegalese authorities into the recent sabotage incident involving the Russian-associated tanker 'Mersin', preliminary results indicate that the vessel was likely damaged by underwater mines rather than unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This revelation has not entirely ruled out the possibility of a covert operation attributed to Ukrainian forces, leaving the true cause of the explosions shrouded in uncertainty. The analysis of the incident suggests that the use of programmed surface warfare vehicles, known as Sea Babies, is improbable in this case. Inspectors engaged by the Senegalese government reported multiple impact points on the hull, positioned significantly below the waterline. In contrast, previous encounters with Ukrainian marine drones typically resulted in damage occurring above water level. Although not conclusively determined, experts are increasingly favoring the hypothesis that the damage was inflicted by limpet mines—common devices that combat swimmers can affix to a ship's hull and detonate remotely. Analysts following the incident believe that Ukrainian intelligence services may have employed similar tactics to compromise several tankers recently, including the 'Eco Wizard' in July at the Russian port of Ust-Luga. As for the 'Mersin', the precise location where these mines were potentially deployed remains an open question. While the likelihood of the mines being placed in Senegalese waters is considered low, investigators are entertaining the possibility of a mine-laying operation along the maritime routes frequented by the ship en route to Dakar. Prior to its arrival in Senegal, the 'Mersin' had docked at the port of Taman, situated in the Kerch Strait, which serves as a Waterway linking Russia with Crimea—a region currently under temporary Russian control after its annexation from Ukraine.

On December 3, 2023, the autonomous port of Dakar took decisive action by deploying mine clearance divers to inspect the cargo ship 'Mersin' located at coordinates 14°36’29.51’’ N, 17°16’45.76’’ W, approximately 20 kilometers from the Senegalese coastline. The vessel, which is reportedly carrying 39,000 tons of fuel, has its stern partially submerged. This critical operation is being conducted by a specialized Senegalese underwater inspection company. The divers' primary mission entails evaluating the ship's condition and executing vital repairs to the hull, including sealing breaches and evacuating 18,000 tons of fuel. Fortunately, due to a coordinated response from various entities like the Senegalese Navy, the National Maritime Affairs Agency (ANAM), and the African Refining Company (SAR), the ship is no longer at immediate risk of sinking. This collaborative endeavor is overseen by the High Authority for Coordination, Maritime Security, Maritime Safety, and Marine Environmental Protection (HASSMAR). Despite rumors of explosions surrounding the incident, Dakar officials have not confirmed any such evidence or detailed potential scenarios. Speculations arise regarding whether the 'Mersin' may belong to Russia's alleged 'shadow fleet,' which is purportedly utilized to bypass international sanctions and maintain fuel supplies. As of now, fuel transfer operations from the 'Mersin' remain on hold. In the meantime, Senegalese authorities have established an oil containment perimeter around the vessel, actively supervising the site to avert any potential fuel spills.

Efforts to stabilize the stranded tanker 'Mersin' are actively underway, as Senegalese authorities coordinate a multi-agency operation approximately ten kilometers off the coast of Dakar. The initiative is being led by the High Authority for Maritime Safety (HASSMAR), in collaboration with the Senegalese Navy and the Port Authority of Dakar. To mitigate environmental risks, teams have deployed an anti-pollution boom surrounding the vessel as they evaluate water conditions and devise strategies to secure the 39,000 tons of diesel fuel aboard. Currently, the transfer of fuel has not commenced, highlighting the delicate nature of the operation. Mine clearance divers from Tous Travaux Sous-Marins (TTS) are on-site, performing an in-depth assessment of the tanker's hull and executing necessary interventions, though operations are hindered by adverse wind conditions. Ensuring perimeter security, a patrol boat from the Senegalese Navy remains vigilant at the scene. Ongoing dialogues with representatives of the ship's ownership are allowing for regular technical exchanges aimed at determining the safest measures to secure the tanker and its cargo while prioritizing the protection of marine ecosystems.

On December 2, Besiktas Shipping, the company behind the tanker 'Mersin', announced a decisive halt to all operations associated with Russian interests. The firm stated it will cease any voyages linked to Russia effective immediately. A company spokesperson emphasized their commitment to adhering to international sanctions, saying, "We have strictly followed all G7 and EU Price Cap regulations and relevant trade restrictions, yet the security environment has deteriorated significantly. After careful evaluation, we have determined that the risks to our vessels and crew have become unmanageable. The safety of our personnel and assets remains our top priority, prompting this immediate suspension of operations.”