Senegalese authorities are conducting a large emergency operation off Dakar after the machinery space of the Panama-flagged tanker Mersin flooded, according to local and international media.
The Port Autonome de Dakar (PAD) reported that water began entering the machinery space during the night of 28 November, prompting the vessel to issue a distress call. The cause of the flooding remains undetermined and is under investigation.
A crisis unit involving HASSMAR, the Senegalese Navy, the National Agency for Maritime Affairs and port services was activated, and tugs, specialised response teams and a naval vessel were deployed. The entire crew was evacuated without injuries.
The priority is to prevent any fuel leak. PAD said there are about 30,000 tonnes of petroleum products on board. Crisis-unit experts are assessing options to seal the machinery space, stabilise the vessel and possibly transfer the cargo to another ship to eliminate spill risks. A containment boom is being placed around the tanker. As of 30 November, authorities report no marine pollution.
AIS data indicate that Mersin departed the port of Taman in August and has been off Dakar since early November.
Mersin is an LR1-class tanker built in 2009 in South Korea. It is 183 metres long with a deadweight of about 50,000 tonnes. The vessel is owned by Turkey-based Mersin Shipping Inc. and technically managed by Besiktas Shipping while sailing under the Panamanian flag.
The operation off Dakar continues, with teams working to stop water ingress, prepare for a possible cargo transfer and maintain spill-prevention measures. No timeline for completion has been announced.
