Russia said it had prevented an alleged “terrorist attack” on the Arrhenius gas carrier, which arrived from Belgium with explosives reportedly attached to its hull.
State news agency RIA Novosti, citing a press release from the Federal Security Service (FSB), said magnetic mines were found on the vessel at the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region.
“Together with the Investigative Committee, the Ministry of Defense, and the Russian National Guard... a terrorist attack was prevented on the Arrhenius vessel,” the FSB said in a statement, adding that the vessel is destined for Turkey after loading at Ust-Luga.
According to the agency, the devices were attached to the vessel’s underwater hull, and each contained about 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of explosives.
The FSB released footage showing the devices on the vessel’s hull.
The agency said the mines could not have been placed in Russian territorial waters, adding that the vessel had spent about 36 hours at anchor before arriving from Belgium.
A criminal case has been opened on charges of attempted terrorism and illegal trafficking of explosives.
Russian officials said the crew has returned to the vessel after the devices were removed and that the ship is preparing for loading.
A Turkish government source told RIA Novosti that the incident is under review.
Separately, Russian authorities released images of a gas tanker, Arctic Metagaz, reportedly targeted in a Ukrainian drone attack in March.
The sanctioned vessel, believed to be a part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) when Moscow reported damage to the vessel in early March.
Russian officials said a fire broke out on board and two sailors were left injured.
The circumstances of the incident could not be independently verified.