Senegal – Critical Maritime Emergency: Tanker “MERSIN” Listing off Dakar with 39,000 Tonnes of Diesel

1. Crisis Overview – A High-Stakes Maritime Emergency

Senegalese authorities are engaged in a race against time to prevent a catastrophic oil spill after the massive tanker “MERSIN”, carrying 39,000 tonnes of diesel, suffered severe technical damage off the coast of Dakar on the night of 27 November.

The vessel is visibly listing, with part of the hull already submerged, raising the probability of capsize or structural rupture in the coming hours. A spill of this magnitude would represent one of the most severe environmental disasters in Senegal’s history.

The port of Dakar, the Senegalese Navy, the maritime gendarmerie, and all emergency maritime structures—under the coordination of the High Authority for Maritime Safety (HASSMAR)—are fully mobilised, according to local correspondents in Dakar.

2. Confirmed Incident Facts – Distress Signal, Flooding, Explosions

The distress alert was issued directly by the tanker on the evening of 27 November, reporting a major breach and water ingress in the engine room.

New, critical information has emerged from the shipowner, Besiktas Shipping:

Four external explosions allegedly struck the vessel before the flooding.

Investigations are underway to determine the origin of these blasts, which remain unexplained and raise the possibility of:

• accidental collision with underwater objects,
• structural failure misinterpreted as explosions,
• or an external detonative event (not yet confirmed).

The tanker, 183 metres long, is currently anchored in the outer roadstead of the Port of Dakar—an extremely sensitive location where any spill would rapidly contaminate the coastline, fishing zones, and port infrastructure.

3. Emergency Response – Full National Mobilisation

Evacuation of Crew

All 22 crew members were successfully rescued by the Port of Dakar’s emergency vessels on 30 November. No casualties have been reported.

Fuel Recovery Operations

The Senegalese Armed Forces’ information service confirmed that 39,000 tonnes of diesel are being carefully siphoned and transferred to a 3,000-tonne-capacity tanker operating offshore.

This operation is:

• slow,
• high-risk,
• exposed to weather changes,
• and performed near a vessel that may destabilise without warning.

Containment Measures

Authorities have deployed:

• pollution-control booms around the MERSIN to contain any hydrocarbon slick,
• specialised teams conducting damage assessment and hull sealing.

So far, no leakage has been detected, though the risk remains extremely high due to the vessel’s structural instability.

4. African Security Analysis (ASA) Risk Analysis – Indicators of Severe Environmental Hazard

4.1. Structural Failure Likely

Visible listing, underwater hull portions, and continued water ingress indicate the ship is in advanced destabilisation.
Any worsening could result in:

• rapid capsize,
• hull cracking,
• uncontrolled fuel release.

4.2. Environmental Impact Could Be Catastrophic

A spill of 39,000 tonnes of diesel near Dakar would:

• devastate marine biodiversity in the Bay of Dakar,
• contaminate artisanal fishing grounds serving millions,
• force partial shutdown of the Port of Dakar,
• severely impact tourism and coastal communities,
• require months—if not years—of remediation.

Greenpeace has stated it is “extremely concerned”, warning this incident is yet another red flag showing Senegal’s vulnerability to maritime accidents and demanding transparency on the explosive events reported by the shipowner.

4.3. Slow Offloading = High Vulnerability

Using a 3,000-tonne auxiliary tanker to offload 39,000 tonnes means the operation will take multiple rotations or prolonged exposure on-site.
Either scenario significantly increases the window of risk.

4.4. Investigative Uncertainty Adds Complexity

The claim of four external explosions introduces:

• the possibility of sabotage or hostile interference (not confirmed),
• legal complications for liability,
• heightened concern from environmental and civil society groups,
• urgent need for international maritime forensic expertise.

5. Short-Term Outlook (48–72 Hours)

Scenario 1 – Stabilization (probability: moderate)

Hull breach partially sealed, offloading advances, vessel secured enough to prevent immediate sinking.

Scenario 2 – Capri sizing / Breaking Apart (probability: high)

Sudden destabilisation leads to rapid spill of diesel, creating a national-scale environmental emergency.

Scenario 3 – Secondary Explosions or Fire (probability: low)

Electrical short circuits or pressure buildup could trigger internal combustion.

6. ASA Immediate Recommendations

1. Deploy higher-capacity tankers to accelerate fuel extraction.

2. Increase the number of containment booms, triple-ring configuration recommended.

3. Prepare emergency closure protocols for port activities if a spill occurs.

4. Activate regional maritime cooperation (Mauritania, The Gambia, Cape Verde).

5. Launch an independent technical investigation into the alleged explosions.

6. Alert international partners specialised in maritime salvage and pollution control.

7. Conclusion – A Maritime Crisis with National Consequences

The “MERSIN” tanker emergency is one of the most acute maritime threats Senegal has faced in recent years. The vessel’s advanced structural instability, the massive volume of diesel onboard, and the ongoing investigative uncertainty create a multidimensional, high-risk situation.

The next 48 to 72 hours will determine whether Senegal averts a disaster or faces a large-scale environmental and economic crisis.