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.

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.