Russian authorities announced they had discovered several magnetic mines attached to the hull of an oil tanker in the port of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea, stating that the devices had been neutralized without incident.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the explosive devices were found on the oil tanker. Arrheniusflying the Liberian flag. The ship had arrived from Antwerp to load liquefied petroleum gas.
Images broadcast by Russian state media show what are presented as mines attached under the ship's hull. Moscow claims the devices were manufactured in a NATO member country, but has not provided any further public evidence at this stage.
Russian authorities say they have strengthened security measures at several strategic ports following this discovery.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions related to the war in Ukraine and maritime security in the Baltic Sea, where several energy infrastructures and commercial vessels have recently been subject to increased surveillance and suspicions of sabotage.
No immediate comment was issued by the authorities of the Western countries concerned or by the ship's owner.
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