×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
19
Dec 2025
weather symbol
Athens 12°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

Explosions on Harry Vafias’ Eco Wizard: Attack with magnetic mines likely cause

Explosion occurred at the Russian port of Ust-Luga – Investigation points to possible sabotage with explosives placed on the seabed – Most recent similar case was the Vilamoura of Greece-based TMS Tankers, hit off Libya on June 27

Newsroom July 8 04:05

Two successive explosions occurred in the engine room of the tanker Eco Wizard, owned by Greek-interest company StealthGas, listed on the New York Stock Exchange and controlled by Harry Vafias, on Sunday, July 6, at the Russian port of Ust-Luga during the loading of ammonia. Authorities believe it was an attack using magnetic mines (limpet mines), similar to other incidents recorded this year.

Russian and international maritime authorities have been placed on high alert after the two powerful explosions, spaced about ten minutes apart, struck the engine room of the Eco Wizard, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, during ammonia loading at JSC EuroChem’s terminal in Ust-Luga.

Two explosions that ripped through the engine room of a liquefied petroleum gas tanker owned by US-listed StealthGas on July 6 are thought to have been caused by timed explosive devices attached to the hull of the vesselhttps://t.co/P3xz56FoL8

— Lloyd's List (@LloydsList) July 7, 2025

The explosions caused water ingress into the engine room, a portside stern list, and a leak of liquid ammonia into the sea. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated. The Russian Ministry of Transport described the leak as “minor,” emphasizing that the vessel was not at risk of sinking. Thanks to prompt intervention and favorable weather conditions, the leak was contained without further environmental damage.

>Related articles

Putin attacks Europeans over Russian assets: “Thieves who will face serious consequences”

Politico: What the €90 billion loan for Ukraine symbolizes for the EU and the behind-the-scenes story of the 16 hours leading up to the agreement

13-year sentence by a Russian court for a Briton who fought for Ukraine

The evacuation of the entire crew was completed without any casualties or injuries, while Russia announced the launch of a formal investigation. Divers from the Russian Navy were deployed to inspect the ship in order to confirm the presence of explosive residues and determine the exact cause of the incident.

If it is confirmed to have been an attack with magnetic mines, the Eco Wizard will be added to the list of six vessels that have been targeted in a similar manner in 2025.

The most recent such case was the Vilamoura, owned by Greek-interest group TMS Tankers, controlled by George Economou, which was struck off the coast of Libya on June 27.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#Eco Wizard#George Economou#Harry Vafias#russia#StealthGas
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

British Museum: Loans of up to 3 years are its new model for antiquities removed from other countries – What it plans to do with the Parthenon Sculptures

December 19, 2025

“Flying” Santas filled the children in the oncology department of Pagni with joy, watch video

December 19, 2025

Embraer’s Eve made the maiden flight of the “flying car,” having received over 3,000 pre-orders

December 19, 2025

In the mountain forests of the Peloponnese, Greek fir trees are dying en masse without being burned

December 19, 2025

Rubio on the Ukraine peace talks: ‘There is progress, but we have a long way to go’

December 19, 2025

Nick Rainer had been diagnosed with schizophrenia weeks before murdering his parents

December 19, 2025

5-month-old baby found dead in Attica: “We woke up and found her cold,” says the mother

December 19, 2025

The Trump administration is preparing to release hundreds of thousands of documents in the Epstein case

December 19, 2025
All News

> Greece

“Flying” Santas filled the children in the oncology department of Pagni with joy, watch video

The 3rd EMAK, the 3rd EMODE, the Fire Service of Heraklion Prefecture and the Firefighters Association of Heraklion "Three Children in Kamino", responded to the call of the 7th Health Region

December 19, 2025

5-month-old baby found dead in Attica: “We woke up and found her cold,” says the mother

December 19, 2025

All points with agricultural blockades after the decision to escalate – What’s next for the weekend

December 19, 2025

Long traffic jams in Ritsona as farmers block service roads of the national highway (updated)

December 19, 2025

“I am the businessman Mazonakis is referring to,” says Thanasis Papageorgiou, who sends him a legal notice

December 19, 2025
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2025 Πρώτο Θέμα