Finnish Authorities to Conduct Independent Investigation into Tanker Explosion
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced on social media that the country’s authorities will conduct an independent investigation into the explosion on the tanker “Koala” in the Ust-Luga port, located in the Leningrad region of Russia. The statement read, “The Finnish authorities are investigating the situation. Finland has strengthened its readiness to handle oil spills.”
Following the incident, the Finnish Border Guard dispatched reconnaissance aircraft to the area. The authorities reported that no oil slick has been detected in the Finnish Gulf and the situation remains calm. The investigation will continue in cooperation with international partners.
The tanker, “Koala” was approximately 100 kilometers north of Finland, crossing the Finnish Gulf, when the explosion occurred. The vessel was en route to the Suez Canal in Egypt from Ust-Luga.
According to the Governor of the Leningrad region, Alexander Drosdenko, a “technical malfunction” occurred on the tanker “Koala” while it was docking, causing damage to the engine room. No one was injured and there is no risk of oil spills, as the ship is now surrounded by oil booms. The tanker, owned by the Liberian Dahlia International Co. and operated by the Cypriot Lagosmarine Ltd, was flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda and had a crew of 24, comprising four Russians, eight Georgian nationals and 12 Indonesians, at the time of the incident.