Tanker begins sinking after explosions near St. Petersburg, authorities report ammonia leak

The Russian Telegram channel MNS | Moscow • Novosti• Sobytia reported the incident.

It happened at the JSC EuroChem terminal during the loading of ammonia.
Early reports say two explosions occurred in the engine room, 10 minutes apart. The blasts damaged the hull, and water started to fill the ship, making it tilt to the left. Ammonia leaked into the water.

All 20 crew members were safely evacuated, and no one was hurt.

The Russian Ministry of Transport confirmed the accident but said there was only a “minor ammonia leak.”
 “On July 6, at the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region, a minor ammonia leak happened during loading operations on the Eco Wizard tanker,” the ministry said.

Russia also said that the Baltic branch of the Maritime Rescue Service was ready to handle the emergency and that divers would inspect the ship.

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