Finland Deploys Aircraft to Gulf of Finland for Monitoring After Tanker Accident in Russian Port

The Finnish Border Guard has sent planes to monitor the situation after a fuel oil tanker was damaged in the Russian port of Ust-Luga, border guards reported on social media platform X.  

Following media reports of an oil tanker accident in the port of Laukaansuu (Ust-Luga), the Finnish Border Guard has increased its readiness to respond to a possible oil spill and is gathering additional information about the incident.  

In the evening of 9 February, the border guards deployed aircraft to monitor the situation in the port area.

According to Russian media, a Koala tanker carrying fuel oil crashed in the port of Ust-Luga. The Rosmorrechflot press service clarified that an explosion occurred on board the vessel in the engine room.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told X that the government is closely monitoring the situation. ‘We are closely following the news about the damage to the oil tanker in the port of Laukaansuu (Ust-Luga - ed.). The Finnish authorities are helping to clarify the situation. Finland has increased its oil spill response capabilities,’ he said.  

Earlier this week, it was reported that Denmark would step up inspections of ships carrying Russian oil to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection.